Customer Reviews

R M Schindler

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

 

 

Judith Sheine's new book on Schindler is most proficient. It is a good book written in a clear, concise way that accomplishes what most other books on this master architect have not been able to - in that it is a well rounded book that addresses the many facets of schindler's life and practice.

Sheine's book traces the architect's Austrian upbringing and schooling (Wagner and Loos) and Schindler's fascination with Wright. It interestingly compares the two architects and asks which was the first 'space architect'? Sheine elaborates on Schindler's theory of 'Space Architecture and the 'Schindler Frame' and classifies his work in four phases (Concrete and Radicalism; Plaster Skin Design; Experiments with materials and roof forms; and the Schindler Frame and translucency). She also addresses the architect's omission from the International Style exhibit and argues that his work, in fact, had no place in it. The book has a great chapter on his practice methods and concludes with chapters on his influence and reputation and the recognition that Schindler has received since his death in 1953.

Sheine's writing style is most competent as she writes as someone whom seems to intimately know the architect. Although this is not true, the author has lived in a Schindler building and has passionately pursued getting to know Schindler's life and architecture.

I have most of the books on Schindler, and this is my favorite one. Unfortunately, I could not give it 5 stars as Phaidon missed an opportunity with this 8x8 book format. The photos don't read very well and the plan and section diagrams, which are so essential to understanding Schindler's work, are postage stamp size. Still, If I had to choose one Schindler book, this would be the one.

A valuable addition to a series of monographs from this publisher. This is Sheine's third book on the patron saint of LA modernists, following a pictorial anthology from Academy and a pocket guide for the MAK Center, and it is erudite and illuminating. If you were to buy only one book on Schindler, this should be the one. Books of this quality and importance deserve much better production values. The series is overpriced and poorly designed; the bindings are fragile, the illustrations drab, and there is not even a proper title page.

The review by 'Reader from New York' is frivolous. Her one star is for the photography of Mumford (sic). Grant Mudford certainly captures the genius of Schindler's highly individualistic architecture, but Professor Sheine's architectural understanding and sensibility is behind each photograph.

'Reader' compares Professor Sheine's monograph unfavorably with Taschen's Jumbo Neutra. She claims that Sheine adds nothing new. To pose just two questions: Had she seen previously the many cross-sectional drawings which express so well the meaning of 'space architecture'? Was she aware of the relationship between Schindler and Frank Lloyd Wright at the time Schindler was in charge of the Chicago office during Wright's absences in Japan? No, must be the answer, because this is all new and original and not to be found in writings by other authors.

This is a very welcomed addition to our knowledge of what Sir Colin StJohn Wilson has called 'The Other Tradition', or what Kenneth Frampton has described as 'Regionalism', in twentieth century architecture. Schindler -- in California -- carved out his own, very personal ground in the manner of Eileen Gray, Hugo Haring and others in Europe.

I quote from the review of Martin Fuller in the New York Times Book Review, 12/2/01:

"Judith Sheine's 'R. M. Schindler' provides a thorough, well-paced survey of his professional development, interweaving his biography and works to notable effect."

I was looking for a book with plenty of pictorial representation of Schindler's work, in addition to written material. This is a gorgeous book, well researched and presented. A necessity for architecture buffs.

This book had the potential to contribute to the anemic information on this fascinating early modernist architect. Instead it repackages projects and information readily available through other sources. The analysis of Schindler's work seems to border on cheerleading, rather than presenting a crticial dialogue about his ideas and built work. Check out Sarnitz's 1988 book (if you can find it) for a more intersting read on the work of Schindler. If this book aspires to the coffee table variety - which it seems to - it could have been more like Lamprecht's excellent ouvre on Richard Neutra, which is more scholarly and comprehensive. The one star received is for Mumford's beautiful photographs, which save the book.

I had to laugh while reading the reviews for Sheine's new book on Schindler. The irate review by Lionel March regarding the NY writer's comments (which are frankly right on) comes from one of Sheine's friends and collaborators in previous quasi-academic writings about Schindler. Gee - do you think she put him up to it? One would think that (after how many books on Schindler?) she would move on to more interesting ground. Incidentally, L. March declares that the book's supposed 'revelation' of Schindler's and Wright's tumultuous and mutually influential relationship is Sheine's alone. Ms. Sheine may be the first one to rush that newsflash to print, but it's been discussed in academic circles for years. It's a bit like saying that Charles Jencks discovered deconstructivism. Also lending his support via a previously written review is Michael Webb, another FOS (friend of Sheine). These reviews need to be acknowledged for the non-objective critiques that they are.

Frankly, the book isn't all that bad, if accepted for the soft theory that it is. The photos and drawings are nice, although I have to agree with Webb's account regarding the shabby binding; the copy I received as a gift is falling apart already. Buy it for your coffee table and pray that no one really looks through it.