Anyone who has traveled in Romania or has an interest in the country has admired the striking tradition of exterior house decoration. This book surveys and illustrates the historical forms of Romanian house decoration, elements of innovation in the tradition (in design, materials, methods, etc.) and examines the aesthetics of the designs as well as their metaphorical and symbolic functions. The fieldwork from which the bulk of this book derives was done in a period that represents a watershed point between ancient styles of house decoration and the changing tastes and materials of the modern world. It was during this time that the Communist regime was breaking down and a new order was about to arise. House decoration at that time was a vivid vernacular expression both of the peoples' frustrations and of their unflagging optimism and creativity. The illustrations are beautiful, comprehensive and unique; the bibliography is extensive, with English explanations of all foreign titles.