Modern Architecture : Photographs by Ezra Stoller [Hardcover]

William Saunders (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The title of this handsome, oversize book may be a bit of a curveball: it is a book of photography, not a treatise on modern architecture. Ezra Stoller, like all the other great architectural photographers, is a meticulous, patient craftsman as well as an artist, so much so that readers tend to forget that his occupation is essentially a commercial venture. Most of the time, members of his profession take pictures because they are hired to, and only rarely do they shoot subjects on their own initiative. In the course of his 50-year career, Stoller documented the products of some of American architecture's best and most famous figures, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Eero Saarinen, Kevin Roche, I.M. Pei, Philip Johnson, Paul Rudolph, Richard Meier, and particularly the firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. His sensibility was perfectly attuned to the ethos of the best modernist design of the day--valuing rationality, clarity, controlled surfaces, and occasionally some drama.

Nowadays, architecture is almost always shot in color, but the most artful examples of this genre are in black and white. Most of the 400 images in this book are satisfyingly monochromatic, and many are exquisite demonstrations that art and commerce are not mutually exclusive. Harvard professor William Saunders supplies a learned introduction, and Stoller provides useful and revealing notes to individual architects and photos. --John Pastier

From Publishers Weekly

The constructions of the great and near-great architects of the last 50 years are showcased in this handsome portfolio of architectural photographs. In more than 400 images, Stoller portrays many of the classics of modernism, from the rough-hewn grandeur of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesen West to the stark drama of Marcel Breuer's residences to Mies Van der Rohe's graceful monolith, the Seagram Building in New York City. Stoller's pictures are dramatic and authoritative, especially compelling in the black-and-white prints he favors; some of his innovations, such as single-point perspective, have achieved standard usage. Through his eyes, the past half century in architecture is seen as an era of self-assured, bold design and solid construction. Informative commentary by Saunders, of Harvard's Graduate School of Design, as well as quotations on subject and technique from Stoller, enhance the photos. A worthwhile addition to the architectural shelf.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 228 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810938162
• ISBN-13: 978-0810938168
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 12.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,238,250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The man who captured Modernism., October 13, 2002

By 

Robin Benson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Architecture : Photographs by Ezra Stoller (Hardcover)

The title of this marvellous book is a little misleading, it should be 'The Modern Architectural Photographs of Ezra Stoller'. The actual title 'Modern Architecture' implies that it might be a history of the subject. There are 164 large, beautifully printed, photos of what he considers his best work and 223 smaller photos, many of which have his (fascinating) comments about the architects and the buildings. The majority of the photos are in black and white (thirty-four in color) and somehow this seems as it should be, mid-century Modernist architecture has a visual simplicity that works best in tones of grey and black, I feel.

William Saunders essay explains how Stoller originally trained as an architect and this is probably the reason why he can take such stunning photos of buildings. One reason I like his work is because the main object of the photo always seems naturally framed within the photo area, another is that many of the photos have strong shapes which create an abstract feel to them, helped, of course, by being in black and white. Even when curves are involved Stoller still delivers, two knockout photos of Saarinen's TWA terminal (pages 120-121) remind me of the chromed tube sculpture of Jose DeRivera.

A couple of book design flaws I found slightly annoying, firstly: some of the page numbers are missing on the three commentary sections where Stoller comments on the architects and buildings and secondly: none of the captions indicate when the photos were taken. Although not a design flaw I would have expected to see at least one photo of Mr Stoller in this book, the blank space opposite the title page would have been the obvious place.

Stoller seemed to have concentrated on photographing modern buildings in the east of the US, the west was covered by Julius Shulman and you can see some lovely examples of his work, especially private houses, in 'Julius Shulman. Architecture and its Photography', edited by Peter Gossel.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Magnifique~, July 6, 2001

By 

Ping Lim (Christchurch) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Architecture : Photographs by Ezra Stoller (Hardcover)

This handsome coffee table book describes modern architecture not by words but by photographs taken thru the lens of Ezra Stoller, who is fortunate enough to work with many superarchitects of the 20th century. Most of the buildings covered were taken in United States & many of them were in black & white format. The book started with an essay written by William Saunders, explaining to readers why Ezra's work is a cut above the rest of other photographers'. William commented that Ezra opted to have the buildings did the talking rather than glorifying the buildings by using camera tricks, or conveying them in arty forms. The main reason why Ezra was captivated by modern architecture is due to its celebration of form, space, depth, simplicity, & timeless appeal. Ezra also made sure that photographs taken were in context with its surroundings. At times, his works were depicted in poignant manner, at times, poetic, & occasionally witty. What readers might not realise was the extent of preparations Ezra & his assistant went into ensuring the photographs taken of the subjects were what he intended in his imagination. Notes provided by Ezra himself describing his favourite photographs were interesting to read, gave us a glimpse of the architects' thought upon their own works. The book was ended with notes, bibliography, & index. A brilliant book to have, & a book that you would refer to again & again. Highly recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous, June 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Modern Architecture : Photographs by Ezra Stoller (Hardcover)

Captures the clarity, the strength, the excitement and the in-your-face rebellion of classic modernism. Anyone who loves mid-century modern design, which is enjoying a huge revival, will love this book. Breathtaking. After some of the miserable architectural design work of the past couple of decades, this look at the past is a breath of FRESH air. It's very current. Very hip.