Customer Reviews

50 Favorite Houses by Frank Lloyd Wright

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

 

 

I found that the illustrations and photos of Wright'smasterpieces especially informative and enjoyable to look at. However,not enough written descriptions and concepts are present. For instance, a sample work might highlight the major themes of a certain work but not really explain the fine points and details, thus leaving out what Wright most prided himself in: intricate detail; Wright was a perfectionist. Most of Wright's books that I've seen are much more expensive than this, so I find it a great bargain. Almost 5 Stars.

While I learned some things from this book, I was a bit disappointed in the presentation. The photography left a lot to be desired...in some photos, one could not even get a sense of the structure of the building. Also, being a Wright afficionado, I wanted more from the text.

What could be learned from this book, by someone not familiar with Wright, were the stages of his career (Early Homes, Prairie Houses, Houses of the 20s and 30s, and Usonian Houses).

The Early Houses were of many different styles, usually dictated by the owner, since Wright did not yet have enough of a reputation to insist on HIS style.

Prairie Houses (1901 and later) were characterized by art glass, roofs providing shade, bands of windows, open interiors, a ground-hugging form, prominent hearths, and custom (often built-in) furniture.

In Wright's homes of the 1920s and 30s, he found new ways of using old materials, often making concrete into textured blocks. His most famous residential design, Fallingwater, was built during this time.

His Usonian Houses were simpler homes, built more economically, with combined living and dining rooms separate from the bedroom zone. These houses were private on the street side with windows in the back and were usually one-story with a low roof.

No matter what the period of his design, Wright thought that decorations should be limited to one fine item and no bric-a- brac. He thought draperies were unsanitary and believed in "going to nature" for colors used on the inside and outside of his houses. His walls were either punctuated by windows or alcoves or some built-in feature, making it very difficult to hang art. I suppose that Wright felt that his house was all the art an owner needed!

Not a bad book, but just not very complete.

I still don't understand what the scope of this book is.
50 houses in 61 pictures? FLW's architecture is very rich in details and interesting interior solutions, obviously this can't be shown in 1 (mostly exterior) picture per house. Some of them are from a terrace, a garden or some detail and some are taken at night or at a distance with little to be seen... There are NO plans, NO drawings and little if any information on the design process. Only one paragraph for each house? It lacks substance as it lacks everything. The book itself contains little more information than the index does. If you are interested in FLW's architecture look somewhere else, because you are NOT going to find it here. I am very disappointed with my purchase and still looking for a nice FLW book.

Along with facing page column of info on the 50 different buildings. Virtually every photo is an exterior shot mostly giving you a feeling of the building in the context of its setting. One of the only large FLW photo books with no black and white photos, the one photo of him being in color which is pretty rare. The book does leave ya feeling that you want more. At 128 pages it's not thin like some of the under 100 page big FLW books but it's not hefty either, that's for sure. It's nicely done. I see that trees are prominent in almost each picture. It is nice to also have a book of just his homes. When presented together in one book without the churches, public or corporate buildings you get a feeling of a tone he set for homes. The homes photographed in the midst of their settings gives you a real sense of how it looks to come up to each of these homes, some in snow, and how they belong in their environment. This is not a masterpiece but it isn't bad either. I think I'd give it 3 1/2 stars. chrisbct@hotmail.com

"Special Order" on this book means, I learned after buying it, that you'll get it within 4-6 weeks. You won't see that spelled out in any easy place to find.

Either I like a book, or I don't, so I liked this one, so I gave it 5 stars. Some people give books 2 and a half, which dosnt make since, either they like it or they don't! But anyway, this book was good, I read it for school. I think I will read Diane maddex's other books as well. This book is a good buy!