Review "One of the handsomest books yet on America's architect of the century."―The Sunday Times "Robert McCarter's volume is a masterly achievement."―Times Literary Supplement "As a presentation of Wright's complete career, it is difficult to imagine McCarter's book being bettered."―Architects Journal "Of all the books that have appeared in the last 10 years on Frank Lloyd Wright and his architecture, this is one that will last. Robert McCarter's prose is agile and passionate."―.com "A sumptuous and revealing book... An intensely human and at times poetically interpreted description of Wright's work and life."―(World Architecture Synopsis This monograph explores the underlying themes and principles of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture. It examines the consistent and systematic qualities underlying all of Wright's designs. The text's chronological presentation, which emphasizes key designs and those related to them thematically, is paralleled by an examination of the development of three primary principles, simultaneously active in Wright's work, and singled out by him as being of fundamental importance in his understanding of architecture. First, Wright's development of concepts and methods for making architectural space; how these ideas derived from his designs for interior spaces and their experience; and how in Wright's architecture the occupant's movement (position) was critical to the experience of the spatial order (composition). Secondly, Wright's development of concepts and methods for ordering space through the manner of its construction; how this order determined his search for "the nature of materials" and structures.The author then considers the third aspect of Wright's designs: the architect's development of concepts and methods for establishing the relationship between his architecture and the landscape; and how he designed buildings where landscape, interior space and construction materials are woven together to become the setting for the repeated rituals of daily life. See all Product description
R**D
superb explanation and brief bio of a genius
As a non-specialist who is admittedly rather ignorant of architectural history, this book was perfect for me. It avoids both excessive detail and incomprehensible jargon, yet covers the principal steps in Wright's 60-year career. I really got an idea of what he did and accomplished and what was so unique about it, which was exactly what I hoped to find. (McCarter's other book on FLW is huge with such long descriptions of interiors that I felt intimidated to open it.)Essentially, Wright approached his buildings as personal works of art designed for the purchaser after long conversations on their desires (with a few glaring exceptions, due to a sudden excess of FLW's arrogance). He designed them from the inside out, with the greatest attention to detail as total works of art down to the furniture and even the clothes of residents, kind of like Wagner's Gesamtkunstwerk, but for living space and quality of life. He also strove to orient them wrt the sun and other natural contours of the landscape. The range of buildings is far too complex and varied to describe here, of course, and I could have used more pics in the text to supplement McCarter's wonderful descriptions (easily available on the internet). I finally get it and will study his legacy in greater detail. Also, many of his homes were designed for the middle class, rather than exclusively for an aristocracy of the rich.The wider context is also covered in just the right detail, that is, how Sullivan mentored Wright; how Wright rebelled against the neo-classical fashion as exemplified by the great Burnham; how he hated Corbusier, Mies van der Rowe, and Gropius. Finally, Wright's establishment of the two Taliesin campuses and their unique apprenticeship environment is covered, as are his many writings - a huge part of his legacy as passed on to students. (It makes me wish I had studied architecture.)While McCarter obviously loves the man and his work, he does not shy from criticizing him, particularly as his self-critical sense seemed to fail him late in life, partially as a result of the constant sycophantic praise of his entourage and the strange domination that his third wife exerted. It is a very rounded portrait that appears fair to me. He also covers Wright's bitterness at what he felt was a lack of recognition, particularly as some of his greatest triumphs came late in life.Warmly recommended. This book is a wonderfully light though substantial meal, as a preparation for deeper inquiry. It is an ideal intro.
P**S
A VERY GOOD Book on Frank Lloyd Wright's Architecture
This is one of the best books about Wright's architecture that I have read (Written by architect Robert McCarter). It focus only on his architecture with little biographical notes and has great detailed explanations and studies about Wright's work and his process of creation like 3 diferent plans (on same floor), the use of the diagonal, the interior/exterior relations, among other things, which are very interesting and useful for me has an architecture student. It lacks some more photos and floor plans (to be perfect) but the text compensates the omissions. It is said that 'an image is better than a thousand words' but the opposite can also be said for, when a work is described, it gives a better notion of the hole of a work then all the seperate images I've seen of it (the images are only there to improve our perception). Another great architectural monography by PHAIDON.
R**D
superb explanation and brief bio of a genius
As a non-specialist who is admittedly rather ignorant of architectural history, this book was perfect for me. It avoids both excessive detail and incomprehensible jargon, yet covers the principal steps in Wright's 60-year career. I really got an idea of what he did and accomplished and what was so unique about it, which was exactly what I hoped to find. (McCarter's other book on FLW is huge with such long descriptions of interiors that I felt intimidated to open it.)Essentially, Wright approached his buildings as personal works of art designed for the purchaser after long conversations on their desires (with a few glaring exceptions, due to a sudden excess of FLW's arrogance). He designed them from the inside out, with the greatest attention to detail as total works of art down to the furniture and even the clothes of residents, kind of like Wagner's Gesamtkunstwerk, but for living space and quality of life. He also strove to orient them wrt the sun and other natural contours of the landscape. The range of buildings is far too complex and varied to describe here, of course, and I could have used more pics in the text to supplement McCarter's wonderful descriptions (easily available on the internet). I finally get it and will study his legacy in greater detail. Also, many of his homes were designed for the middle class, rather than exclusively for an aristocracy of the rich.The wider context is also covered in just the right detail, that is, how Sullivan mentored Wright; how Wright rebelled against the neo-classical fashion as exemplified by the great Burnham; how he hated Corbusier, Mies van der Rowe, and Gropius. Finally, Wright's establishment of the two Taliesin campuses and their unique apprenticeship environment is covered, as are his many writings - a huge part of his legacy as passed on to students. (It makes me wish I had studied architecture.)While McCarter obviously loves the man and his work, he does not shy from criticizing him, particularly as his self-critical sense seemed to fail him late in life, partially as a result of the constant sycophantic praise of his entourage and the strange domination that his third wife exerted. It is a very rounded portrait that appears fair to me. He also covers Wright's bitterness at what he felt was a lack of recognition, particularly as some of his greatest triumphs came late in life.Warmly recommended. This book is a wonderfully light though substantial meal, as a preparation for deeper inquiry. It is an ideal intro.
A**R
SUPERB BOOK
I've read many books on Frank LLoyd Wright. This is perhaps the best biography of him, yet!I would rank Frank LLoyd Wright and His Manner of Thought by Jerome Klinkowitz as no. 2Both excellent.
R**O
Irish Spaniards
What do Frank Lloyd Wright and Walt Disney have in common? They died before being able to see the finished construction of their building designs, the Moma and Epcot Center
W**N
Thank you!
Nice item, good price, fast service.
A**R
Five Stars
good!
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