-"The set is well written throughout and illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs. One is almost tempted to sit down with each volume and read cover to cover in order not to miss any of the fascinating historical and cultural descriptions of the development of homes around the world and throughout history. BOTTOM LINE: A good addition to public libraries as well as academic libraries, particularly those serving architecture programs but also those supporting curricula in anthropology, sociology, and history. " —Library Journal

-"Steele (author and educator, U. of Southern California) provides a comprehensive survey of the housing of significant cultures from throughout the world: the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia, East and Southeast Asia, and Europe and the Western Mediterranean. The three-volume set spans the development of housing from ancient times to the present.While the author discusses materials used and methods of construction, he also delves into how the housing of different societies reflects their belief systems, social orders, and cultures. From the relatively familiar stone structures of Macchu Picchu to the Chinese residential districts known as hutongs, the array of architectural styles and the considerationsincorporated into their construction—such as environment, light, protection, and available materials—provide a fascinating journey through history. Organized in an encyclopedic format, the set is clearly written, informative, and well-illustrated." —Reference & Research Book News