Customer Reviews

Cliff May and the Modern Ranch House

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

 

 

Another stunning effort by Rizzoli International Publications documents the career and widespread influence of Cliff May on mid-20th century residential architecture. Dan Gregory's text is informative and entertaining, and provides excellent insight regarding the early-California ranchos influences and thinking behind May's design ideas. Joe Fletcher's photography offers a lot of diversity, showing both contemporary period shots as well as numerous beautiful modern-day views of many of May's most significant residential designs. Floor plans, original sketches and renderings are also included, which makes "The Modern Ranch House" a wonderfully diverse and comprehensive retrospective on May. When one realizes that May was never formally trained as an architect, his broad influence is even more amazing. As fulfilling and singular in its coverage of May's career as this book is, this reader was left wanting for even more. Highly recommended.

I bought this as a gift for my son and daughter-in-law as they live in a Cliff May that they need to update. They need to make changes to the kitchen but want to maintain the integrity of the design. They have both told me that this is a wonderful book and it has given them many good ideas. So, based on their recommendations, I would have to rate this highly. I am looking forward to a visit with them so I can actually see the book in person!!

I was planning to remodel our 1965 California ranch house. Wanted to retain the orginal character while upgrading with current designs/materials. Over the years, previous owners had added or changed the kitchen and family room spaces. It was difficult to visualize what the original "look" was conveying. I now have my copy of Cliff May's designs on our coffee table. Enjoy the history and flavor it adds to the "feeling" of our home.

Excellent pictures, beautiful book and fun to see all the different sizes, areas, and ideas about those homes that were around me in my childhood in Pacific Palisades/Brentwood. Loved the book - it was very well presented! I certainly didn't appreciate how inovative Cliff May's architecture was.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to all Cliff May owners and prospective owners. Gregory does a wonderful job of balancing academic research and analysis with colorful anecdotes about the man behind the homes. The photography is top-notch, especially the archived images brought to life from the past.