A. Hays Town changed the face of the Louisiana house. In a career that includes designing more than five hundred homes; he led architects; builders; and homeowners to embrace the finest elements of Louisiana's architectural past. Almost every home built in Louisiana during the last twenty years is in some way inspired by Town's work.The Louisiana Houses of A. Hays Town honors his legacy as Louisiana's premier residential architect. Color photographs of numerous homes -- including Town's own -- by Philip Gould combined with an illuminating text by Cyril E. Vetter produce a volume that captures the appeal and beauty of the state's finest architectural tradition.Born and raised in rural southwest Louisiana; Hays Town graduated from Tulane University with a degree in architecture in 1926 and worked for a firm in Jackson; Mississippi; for many years. He established his own successful commercial practice in Baton Rouge in 1939; but in the 1960s; Town turned to his abiding passion -- residential architecture. Throughout this chapter of his career; he perfected his inimitable style and emerged as one of the most prominent architects in the South.Town's residential designs are perceptibly influenced by the diverse culture of south Louisiana. His synthesis of the classic Acadian cottage; Spanish courtyards; and exterior French doors with Creole-influenced full-length shutters achieves an original confluence of seemingly disparate yet elegantly balanced themes and forms. Other Town trademarks include pigeonniers; tree alleys; thirteen-foot ceilings; heavy use of such woods as cypress and heart of pine; plantation-style separate structures; and brick floors with a special beeswax finish.The Louisiana Houses of A. Hays Town illuminates the momentous effect Town has had on the look of Louisiana. Crafted from the perspective of two people; Vetter and Gould; who are not architects but admirers of one man's exceptional talent; this delightful book demonstrates that each Town house is a work of art that fits both person and terrain. At the door of each home; proud owners hang a bronze plaque that says it all: A. Hays Town; Architect.
#1702625 in Books Louisiana State University Press 1992-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .79 x 6.05 x 9.02l; #File Name: 0807118028329 pages
Review
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Old Reliable IndeedBy B. O'NeillI feel that this biography was good; but not great. It could have been a bit longer and shed more light on Hardee after the Civil War for one thing. But overall I think the biography did a "reliable" job. Hardee's impressive Civil War career was handled very well I thought. Hughes focuses almost entirely on this and you can't help but wonder what might have happened if Hardee had been placed in command of the Army of Tennessee instead of Hood.........or if Hardee had accepted permanant command after Bragg resigned. When I think of Hardee I think of Longstreet; both seemed to be the good reliable corps commanders that could be counted on in their respected armies; but neither were able to reach the level of a Jackson; Thomas; or Hancock as corps commanders.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This the 2nd copy of this book I've owned. ...By CustomerThis the 2nd copy of this book I've owned. If you are looking for a well written book on one of the most interesting generals most people have never heard of this is it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Richard KellyGreat book about the western theater of the Civil war
