Customer Reviews

Architecture Tours L.A. Guidebook: Silver Lake

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I go to Silver Lake, it's to see the Kesling houses. They may not be the most architecturally significant homes in Silver Lake but they're interesting enough to have been used in movies and are fantastic examples of "moderne" homes which are scarce, even in LA. Not even a mention of them in this guidebook. Obviously, this small volume can't cover everything but it manages to include a dog park, the Mack Sennet stages (historically interesting, but just a box), a Masonic temple that's also a plain box, and several places that are mostly obscured by foliage. So what there is, isn't bad but some of the choices are peculiar, given what's left out. If you can handle a bigger book, any edition of the David Gebhard guides to southern California covers a lot more of this area, and everywhere else in southern California, as well.

If you'd like to take any of several self-guided automobile tours of Los Angeles and nearby areas, Laura Massino Smith's books are excellent. Each tour book has clear directions and easy-to-read maps, lots of fascinating notes and information, plus photos of what to look for. I've lived in LA for over twenty-five years, and Smith's books have surprised me with things I'd never seen or hadn't noticed. There are three of her books in my glove compartment so far (Hollywood, Silverlake, and Hancock Park/Miracle Mile) and I'll be getting the rest as well.

A lot is packed into a great "carry with you as you tour around the hard to fully describe area of Silverlake". I give my `I keep in my car' copy to visiting out of towners so they don't have to figure out what the big deal is; it's all in the book and they can then see it for themselves right in front of them. A wonderful series of architecture books for both natives and visitors of Los Angeles.

These are great guides to view all the architectural gems in my neighborhood and surrounding areas. Highly recommended for locals or people who visit Los Angeles often. You wouldn't think there are so many historical houses and buildings to see in this town, but Laura Massino Smith has compiled them into these handy books with great photos as well.

A concise little book that gives some very useful information about this fascinating section of Los Angeles.