author
Harold Donaldson Eberlein
1875–1964
A prolific American writer and historian, he helped generations of readers see old houses, interiors, and cities as living pieces of history. His books opened up colonial architecture, decorative arts, and regional heritage in a clear, enthusiastic way.
1 Audiobook
The Architecture of Colonial America
by Harold Donaldson Eberlein
About the author
Born in Columbia, Pennsylvania, in 1875, Harold Donaldson Eberlein became a widely read author on American architecture, interiors, antiques, and historic houses. Over a career that stretched across more than fifty years, he wrote or coauthored dozens of books and many articles, often focusing on colonial and early American design as well as the history of places such as Philadelphia and the Hudson Valley.
He was more than a writer at a desk. Eberlein was active in historic preservation work, served on the advisory board of the Historic American Buildings Survey, and is credited with being among the founders of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. His work combined research, visual detail, and a strong desire to help readers notice the character of buildings and rooms that might otherwise be overlooked.
He died in Philadelphia in 1964. Today he is remembered as one of the early popular interpreters of American architectural history, especially for readers interested in historic homes, period furniture, and the material culture of everyday life.