One of the classic functions on interior design, Edith Wharton’s The Decor of Houses offers a comprehensive look at the background and personality of turn-of-the-century interior design. Cowritten with architect Ogden Codman, Jr., this very helpful research provides us with many keen and practical axioms for home design, such as (1) The better the house, the less dependence on drapes, and (2) the elevation of a well-proportioned doorway should be double its width.

In the words of John Barrington Bayley, President of Classical America, “this book has charm. The Adornment of Houses brings to brain the images of Walter Gay: There will be the reflections in looking-glasses, and on parquet, as well as the garnitures of chimney-pieces, boiseriers, the odor of wax; beyond your tall glazed doorways there is a sun-drenched silent terrace, we are actually at Mrs. Wharton’s Pavillon Colombe-a well organized parterre, a rose backyard, and an orchard of Reinette apples and luscious double cherries.”