The photos in this book take the reader back to the camps and cottages of the 1930s and 1940s. Although this isn't really my style (a little too dark and cluttered), I do appreciate the history and culture this style represents, which is comprised of strong primary and secondary colors, informal and relaxed settings, and handmade and folk art objects that were actually used. Some of the objects could be made and used now, as new versions of older ideas, and would be very charming, particularly when used in gardens. This is pre-Ralph Lauren, without the refinement. I do have a couple of criticisms for how the material was presented, however. Sometimes the text and the photo on the same page did not appear to match. A couple times the text would mention a particular object, and I would look in vain for that object. At other times, the object appeared in photo after photo, so clearly it was being moved around for the sake of photography - contrived photography. Sometimes there was only one page of photos and one page of text for multiple rooms discussed, and again what was mentioned was not included. There was some repetition of photos (in the thumbnail and large photos). I think this is a little explored American interior design style, and a book on it is well-worth reading. Photos and text were interesting and informative, but the editing left much to be desired, making the work somewhat confusing and frustrating to read. There was no real information on how to achieve the look. Still, it is worth reading for the American style it portrays. ( )