In the first part of the book Steven Parissien describes the development of the Georgian style in Britain from its introduction in the early eighteenth century through to the mid-nineteenth century and explains how the original inhabitants would have used the various rooms. In the second part he devotes a chapter to each element of the Georgian house, including roofs, brickwork and stonework, doors and windows, staircase and fireplaces, mouldings and plasterwork. Throughout the book he stresses the need for today's owners to understand the ideas, techniques and materials employed by those who built their homes.

The book has been written with the owner, or would-be owner, of a modest family house or Georgian cottage primarily in mind. Though due attention is given to the great houses of the period, and especially to their role in setting new trends, the main emphasis is on the modest domestic architecture at which the Georgians excelled. With its wealth of practical advice on the preservation and restoration of both structure and decor, as well as an invaluable guide to specialist suppliers and sources of further information, this book is an indispensable resource for lovers of Georgian architecture.

Steven Parissien is former Education Secretary of the Georgian Group, the body formed to save Georgian buildings and townscapes from destruction or disfigurement. He has subsequently worked at Yale University's Paul Mellon Centre, Sotheby's Institute and the University of Plymouth and is currently Director of Education for The Prince's Foundation. His other books include Adam Style, Palladian Style and Regency Style.