The Country Houses of David Adler [Hardcover]

Stephen M. Salny (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2001

The first comprehensive study of one of America's great house architects.

The Country Houses of David Adler (1882-1949) discusses in depth fifteen representative houses (many with interiors by Adler's sister, the noted interior designer Frances Elkins), illustrated with fine archival photographs and newly drawn plans. In addition, the full scope of Adler's work is documented in an illustrated catalogue raisonné. Photographs and plans

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Because of Salny's efforts, Adler's work may be getting more national attention today than it did when he was alive. . . . Although it's primarily an architectural study, Salny's book is also valuable as social history.” (Edward Gunts - The [Chicago] Sun )

“An exploration of Adler's best projects…the images in the book are black and white…[but] Salny's detailed descriptions of Adler's homes bring to each a full-depth of color.” (Lisa Vincenti - Shelter Chicago )

“If more studies of this quality emerge, we [would] have a much more comprehensive view of American architecture in the early twentieth century.” (Susan Frazer - Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians )

“Richly illustrated…unveils the broad scope of the architect's oeuvre as well as intimate looks at the characteristic features and details unique to each house.” (From House To Home )

About the Author

Stephen M. Salny, the author of Frances Elkins: Interior Design, lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; First Edition edition (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039373045X
• ISBN-13: 978-0393730456
• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #528,220 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Four stars for a Great architect, but so-so publisher., January 19, 2002

By 

Borden B. Burns (Birmingham, Alabama) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Country Houses of David Adler (Hardcover)

I really love David Adler. I was thrilled to find out that this book was in the making. But when I finally got my hands on it I was furious to find that there were no color plates in the entire book. All photographs are archival. The Richard Crane mansion in Ipswich is a tremendous house, and I appreciate the old view from the beach, but how does that compare to the view now that all of the landscape has come to maturation. Not including color plates and more contemporary shots was a cruel tease to play.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Sloppy detailing, June 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Country Houses of David Adler (Hardcover)

Useful and informative, but Norton was a bit slap-dash in its production. The "newly-drawn plans" were disappointing and nowhere near the standard in architectural publishing; whoever was responsible shouldn't have been.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful book -- excellent gift!, July 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Country Houses of David Adler (Hardcover)

growing up in Lake Forest, IL...I, too saw these beautiful country estates -- but never knew the common theme was David Adler. Such a wealth of information and history that I have to thank Mr. Salny for. We are talking an era of architecture that included not only the design of a building, but also the design of the gardens, the interiors, etc. A fabulous book -- beautiful and inspiring in so many ways!