Customer Reviews

Washington Sculpture: A Cultural History of Outdoor Sculpture in the Nation's Capital

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A splendid book for any resident or frequent visitor to Washington, D.C. Those interested in urban planning and outdoor sculpture, no matter what their ties to the capital, also will find it a good addition to their libraries.

The short background pieces vary, but most give some degree of information on the sculptor, his (or her) corpus of work, and the historical or artistic subject represented. One can learn much history by reading about the artworks and great neighborhoods covered by this book.

James M. Goode has performed a public service with this comprehensive survey of the outdoor art of our national city.

Thanks, James, Cliff and Alex. You've created a long-awaited masterpiece.

Those of us familiar with Washington are often questioned as to the artistic nature, the history, or the aesthetics of some of DC's more obscure sculpture. (I've always has a little story of Emmett's statue on embassy row because I learned quite a lot on that individual while studying the Irish civil war while in Dublin a couple of years ago.) But this book is like the dictionary of these artistic works.

Initially, I asked myself why it wasn't in color. But then I thought: color would have increased the book's price without increasing its value.

It's amazing, really. Delightful pictures of DC's statues, the classical, the abstract--as well as those in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. And if you wondered of some of them on the grounds of the National Cathedral, they're in the book too!

They even include some I've never even noticed before!

If you want to add some detail to your knowledge on the nation's capital, or even to enjoy the artistic merit and history of some of its often overlooked--and some NEVER overlooked artworks, this is the book for you!

I work in Washington, D.C. and live in Maryland. After years of driving past the incredible amount of statuary that exists in this City and wondering who was being honored and for what, I found the Goode book and have been enjoying looking things up. I've learned a great deal about the individuals and events that made this country and city great. This book gives sufficient detail, its chapters are well organized by location, and I highly recommend it.

You don't have to be an expert in art or sculpture to appreciate this impressive book. The author has done a wonderful job of unveiling the fascinating stories and quirky details behind Washington DC's sculpted art, so much of it I'd often passed by without really noticing it. And with every entry having a photo, it makes it infinitely easier to identify the artworks, some of which are not your typical free standing statues (although there's certainly plenty of those).

As a part-time resident and eternal tourist of the city, I find this book fascinating! There are many sculptures in the city and surrounding areas. Often I simply walk past them, admire them, but have very little information about them, if any. This book is like a tour book for sculpture!

What I like most:
1. The book is arranged by geographic location, so you can find the pieces near each other easily. No awkward alphabetical listing (especially awkward if you don't know the names of things!) You might want to read a little before a walking trip to a certain neighborhood (or conversely, skim through that section to find out about something you saw.)

2. It isn't just formal, installed works, but also gargoyles, doors, grave markers, pediments, and other architectural sculpture, which I thought was a nice addition. (I would have liked to have seen more of the National Cathedral, though.)

3. It contains different types of descriptions/stories of the sculpture: the artist, the sponsor, history, etc. I did notice that there were some opinions rather than just facts, such as the placement decisions, relocation, ("situated awkwardly" or "unfortunately moved" "poor choice of placement" "bland statue") etc. While it does make the reading seem less "scholarly", it does make it seem like you are interacting with someone real...someone who likes certain things, dislikes other things, but is very knowledgeable and obviously is passionate about the works. More like hanging out with a friend than a teacher.

4. It uses black and white photos, but I think it was appropriate. To me you can often see more detail in the shadow/light of black and white that you sometimes miss with color. Plus, most of the pieces are a solid-color metal or stone, so a color rendering isn't absolutely necessary.

5. The sheer number of works included. If you are looking for a little book that maps the "highlights of the city to see in an hour", this book may be too much. It includes works from personal property, statues in front of agencies, monuments, etc. Nice to see not just the famous, or not just the obscure. I especially like the section with the architectural elements of the older apartment buildings. Beautiful work which is often missed by passers-by. Of course every single thing can't be included, but it was nice to see the little gems. I have a feeling I am going to be peering at the tops, corners, cornerstones, doorknobs, rainspouts, etc. everywhere now!

Just a great book overall. Remember that this only covers outdoor works, not interiors of buildings (which are also fascinating) or any sculptures/friezes within. I have also just ordered American Pantheon: Sculptural & Artistic Decoration Of the U.S. Capitol) to have more information on the many many items inside that magnificent building. The National Gallery of Art also sells different books on their works if you are interested in their collections. I have this one, but I should really look for an updated volume.

I am a Metro residence for almost 8 years. This book just opened a new world to me.

I really appreciate all the effort the author made. Unbelievable! He put almost the same effect on every single sculpture. He is a true lover of metro DC.

I will definitely buy two of his books regarding DC history:

1. Capital Losses: A Cultural History of Washington's Destroyed Buildings
2. Best Addresses

Buy it! You will never regret.