"The text of this book is very valuable because of the singularly intelligent view taken of each separate epoch.... The book is extremely well furnished with bibliographies, lists of monuments [which] are excellent.... If any reasonable part of the contents of this book can be got into the heads of those who study it, they will have excellent ideas about architecture and the beginnings of a sound knowledge of it."—The Nation, New York.
"A manual that will be invaluable to the student, while it will give to the general reader a sufficiently full outline for the purposes of the development of the various schools of architecture. What makes it of special value is the large number of ground plans of typical buildings and the sketches of bits of detail of columns, arches, windows and doorways. Each chapter is prefaced by a list of books recommended, and each ends with a list of monuments. The illustrations are numerous and well executed."—San Francisco Chronicle.
"Probably presents more comprehensively and at the same time concisely, the various periods and styles of architecture, with a characterization of the most important works of each period and style, than any other published work.... The volume fills a gap in architectural literature which has long existed."—Advertiser, Boston.
"A neatly published work, adapted to the use either of student or general reader. As a text-book it is a concise and orderly setting forth of the main principles of architecture followed by the different schools. The life history of each period is brief yet thorough.... The treatment is broad and not over-critical. The chief facts are so grouped that the student can easily grasp them. The plan-drawings are clear cut and serve their purpose admirably. The half-tone illustrations are modern in selection and treatment. The style is clear, easy and pleasing. The entire production shows a studious and orderly mind. A new and pleasing characteristic is the absence of all discussion on disputed points. In its unity, clearness and simplicity lie its charm and interest."—Notre Dame Scholastic, Notre Dame, Ind.
"This is a very thorough and compendious history of the art of architecture from the earliest times down to the present.... The work is elaborately illustrated with a great host of examples, pictures, diagrams, etc. It is intended to be used as a school text-book, and is very conveniently arranged for this purpose, with suitable headings in bold-faced type, and a copious index. Teachers and students will find it a capital thing for the purpose."—Picayune, New Orleans.