Julia Morgan: Architect of Beauty [Hardcover]

Mark Wilson (Author), Lynn Forney McMurray (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 2007

Julia Morgan, America's first truly independent female architect, left a legacy of over 700 buildings, many of which are now designated landmarks, in cities throughout California, as well as in Hawaii, Utah, and Illinois. Her work spanned five decades, and the total of her commissions was greater than any other major American architect, including Frank Lloyd Wright. Julia Morgan tells the remarkable story of this architectural pioneer, and features text, drawings, and photographs of the many buildings that still exist.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Julia Morgan, America's ?rst truly independent female architect, blazed a trail for women in the ?eld and left a legacy of more than 700 buildings (many of which are now designated landmarks) in cities throughout California, as well as in Hawaii, Utah, Arizona, and Missouri. Her work spanned ?ve decades, and her total output was greater than any other major American architect, including Frank Lloyd Wright. Julia Morgan tells the remarkable story of this architectural pioneer and features text, drawings, and photographs of the many buildings that still stand today. Mark Wilson explores the underlying design philosophy that guided a large portion of Julia Morgan's work, as well as the physical, cultural, and historic settings in which her buildings were created. From the William Randolph Hearst Castle at San Simeon to Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland to the Phoebe A. Hearst Memorial Gymnasium for Women in Berkeley, this comprehensive volume offers a fresh exploration on the life and work of a groundbreaking architect.

Mark A. Wilson is an architectural historian who has been writing and teaching about Julia Morgan's work for more than thirty years. He has written two previous books about Bay Area architecture and was a lecturer for the National Trust's Historic Real Estate Program. He holds a B.A. in History and an M.A. in History and Media. His articles have appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Christian Science Monitor, USA Today, and more. He lives in Berkeley, California, with his wife, Ann, and daughter, Elena, who loves looking at Julia Morgan houses.

Monica Lee has been a professional photographer for over twenty-five years. Her photographs have been published in magazines and publications nationally and internationally. Monica lives in San Francisco with her husband, Jonathan Rapp, and their children, Elana and Samuel. This is her third book.

As the son of a fashion illustrator, Joel Puliatti was destined to see things graphically and brought up as an artist in New York. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, he has been published nationally as an architectural and fine art photographer. Joel lives in San Francisco, with his wife, Olivia Teter, and his daughters, Jacqueline and Sophia.

Front cover photo 2007 Joel Puliatti

Back cover photo 2007 Monica Lee

Author photo by Andrea Ferreira

Jacket design by Glyph Publishing Arts

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

"El Campanil is the first reinforced concrete structure west of the Mississippi." -Plaque on the Mills College bell tower, 1904

Product Details

• Hardcover: 232 pages
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith; 1 edition (September 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1423600886
• ISBN-13: 978-1423600886
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 11 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #500,183 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GRAND TREASURE!!!, November 13, 2007

By 

Jennifer Shaffer "Jennifer Wolfe" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Julia Morgan: Architect of Beauty (Hardcover)

I recently purchased this book....and I'm so very glad I did. I have always been a great admirer of Julia Morgan's work and this book more than satisfies my interests. There are 350 amazing color photos! It is the most comprehensive arrangement and collection of photography I've every seen on this subject. As a professional artist, I own many books on art and architecture, this so far, is my favorite work on the subject of Art. Not only is it a pleasure to look at, but the writing is colorful and holds my interest. So many times I've bought an art book and only have enjoyed the images; this is not the case. This book is a joy to read, the quality is of a high scholar with a passion for the subject...this makes the difference. The passion truly comes through in every line. I have learned so much about a amazingly talented woman. What is unique about this book is the author has collaborated with Julia Morgan's god-daughter who is the the grand-daughter of Ms. Morgan's personal secretary. The book contains information other books just couldn't. The book is a great honor to a professional, who designed over 700 buildings. Every library should contain this book, not just for the pleasure of viewing, but for the superb historical referencing as well. It is my hope that this author continues his writing. It would be a great service to us all, who wish to learn through quality sources.

Sonoma Ca.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous, October 11, 2007

By 

A. Johnson (Berkeley, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Julia Morgan: Architect of Beauty (Hardcover)

The author shows great passion for this subject. I found the book to be well researched and fascinating reading. This is a highly readable account of this talented woman's life and work.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Julia Morgan, December 21, 2007

By 

Judy W. "A Consumate Reader" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Julia Morgan: Architect of Beauty (Hardcover)

This book is an exceptional coffee table book for oneself or as a gift. It is one of the most comprehensive books I have seen on Julia Morgan and her architecture with a wonderful compilation of photos.