H.M. Scott Smith's, the Historical Houses of Prince Edward Island

H.M. Scott Smith's, the Historical Houses of Prince Edward Island

H.M. Scott Smith's, the Historical Houses of Prince Edward Island, is a candid look into the more architecturally and historically significant buildings located on Prince Edward Island. Focusing particularly on those constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Historical Houses of Prince Edward Island, features structures from the early days of the Micmac wigwams to the elegance of the Victorian presence. His purpose is to trace the evolution of the Islands housing in their form, decor, and construction over the course of time. In addition, Smith writes of the different principal international impacts, which have shaped the architectural stature of Prince Edward Island.

Hoping to set a starting point in Prince Edward Islands' architectural studies, Smith states 1"I also wish to stress that I conceived this project and these books as a beginning, in the hope that architectural historians, geographers, academics or any interested individuals might be inspired to further research and document the various aspects touched on only briefly in this book." Smith, an active conservationist, clearly shows that he believes in the importance of building history and preservation, not only in Prince Edward island, but all over the world in hoping that others will pick up where he has left off opening another door in architectural studies.

Smith provides the reader with an easy to follow guide, which is set in Smith, H.W. Scott. Historical Houses of Prince Edward Island. Erin: Boston Mills Press, 1990.

P.10 chronological order and provides, photographs and/or sketches with each brief, yet descriptive, explanation of the chosen dwellings. Expressive yet not overpowering, we are taken through the evolution of the selected structures by means of the change in style and heritage from that of the architectural monuments origin.

In the journey of seeking architectural history, the author touches on, but hesitates to go in-depth with the true mode of building based on regional forms and materials. The lack of information covering the social and community history, building placement, along with the unique building styles (with stone and brick) formed by the adapting peoples of the Island leaves a lot out of this book. Instead, Smith focuses intensely on the inhabitants of the homes throughout time, and the strong foreign influence from Scotland, England, Ireland, and New England.

The glossary, which Smith provides, was very effective as it made his work easy to understand while increasing the readers knowledge of architectural terms.