"It is immodestly hoped that this book will encourage the owners of American homes built in the last century to select colors that are historically proper for the age of the structure and to place those colors to emphasize correctly the rich character and detailing intended by the original builders. If readers seek here technical information on paint chemistry or detailed reports on the microanalysis of specific buildings, they will be disappointed. My intention is to provide a practical; handbook for the old-house owner who asks, 'What colors should I paint my house and how should they be applied?'"--Page 7.