Customer Reviews

Art Deco in Detroit (MI) (Images of America)

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Of the many cities embellished architecturally during the period between the Two World Wars of the twentieth century, Detroit surely had an athletic spurt of growth, with many examples of the architecture now known as Art Deco decorating its downtown landscape. Now, the Arcadia series has put together a volume of views of these many fine buildings into one book, and at a reasonable price. In fact, this is the only volume specifically concerning Detroit Deco that I'm aware of. As such, it's a valuable additon to the collection of anyone interested in American architecture, specifically the Deco period, appreciation of which has risen considerably, even during the past couple of decades.

Here are many views of Detroit buildings, some of which no longer exist, making the Arcadia contribution even more valuable, for showing us a world of urban life no longer visible. Deco came and went between two violent world upheavals, then was washed under the sea of Modernism in post-war perceptions, when decoration of any kind was abandoned altogether.

Journey back, then, to a world when the urban landscape was considerably more decorative, and sophistication was a trait to be prized.