"The "house" is one of American folk art's most popular and prominent motifs, and this beautiful, authoritative volume is the first of its kind to explore this symbol in all major folk art media. The book is also a record of America's lost architectural heritage-- many of the buildings featured are no longer standing. Each chapter focuses on a specific folk art category and includes an in-depth, detailed introduction to the subject followed by a comprehensive gallery of images accompanied by extended captions that provide a symbolic, social, and economic context for each piece. Every folk art format is featured: quilts, rugs, needlework, furnishings, paintings, and drawings, among others. The unique folk art objects presented are culled from dealers' wares, unpublished private and corporate collections, auction houses, and major folk art museums in the country."--Jacket.