America's most famous architect was obsessed with small houses. Even though this exciting aspect of his work has been long overlooked, the truth is that Frank Lloyd Wright spent most of his career addressing the problems of houses intended for individuals or small families of modest means. In the only book on the master architect to focus on "the house of moderate cost," Wright expert Diane Maddex takes the reader inside a selection of his small houses from across the country, turning the spotlight on Wright's ingenious solutions to make these homes look and feel large.
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Diane Maddex, formerly the director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Preservation Press, is the president of Arche-type Press and the author of many award-winning books on the American home.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By P. Smith
Format:Hardcover
This is a beautiful picture book that keeps its title's promise. Maddex actually identifies the specific FLW solutions for making small houses feel big. Her description of these solutions are well-written and aimed at appealing to the intelligent layman. Mercifully, she avoids the academic, pedantic and patronizing tone. A real pleasure. Couldn't recommend more highly.
30 of 32 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
The pictures and text boxes do a terrific job of explaining the reasons that Wright's architecture works. The themes of unity, making walls disappear with windows, use of natural materials and building for the site can be applied to many architectural styles, not just the prarie style he is known for
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By L. Dubarry
Format:Hardcover
I really liked this book. Quite well structured, it presents first key characteristics of Wright's architecture apearing in Prairie but also Usonian houses.
The second part gives full details of some houses (mainly Usonian since the theme is about "making small houses feel big")
Special interest for Isabel Roberts house, River Forest (on front and back cover pages) which is to my mind Wright's Masterwork joining Prairie and Usonian concepts.
Photos are nice and drawings are also indicated (with scale and orientation).
The only point I disliked is the fact comments relative to photos are not always fully precise : they could have highlighted a bit more key characteristics quoted in book's first part. The author has also preferred giving some details about Owners rather than focusing only on architecture.
The second part gives full details of some houses (mainly Usonian since the theme is about "making small houses feel big")
Special interest for Isabel Roberts house, River Forest (on front and back cover pages) which is to my mind Wright's Masterwork joining Prairie and Usonian concepts.
Photos are nice and drawings are also indicated (with scale and orientation).
The only point I disliked is the fact comments relative to photos are not always fully precise : they could have highlighted a bit more key characteristics quoted in book's first part. The author has also preferred giving some details about Owners rather than focusing only on architecture.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Right on Wright
For fans and idolizers of FLW's work, this is a must have to peruse. Like the work, think that he did have some amazing ideas for his time. Read more
Published 28 days ago by Yusuf Saleeby
3.0 out of 5 stars
poor title
The designer houses aren't small they're pretty big. And they do not look economical to build. No visionary architect here.
Published 1 month ago by hallty
5.0 out of 5 stars
A book that speaks from my heart
I bought this book when we were in the planning stages of building our dream home, a timberframe of modest size. Read more
Published 4 months ago by S. Ernisse
5.0 out of 5 stars
A nice book about Wright's Usonian houses
If you are interested Wright's Usonian houses, this is a book that you must read.
I have bought and read several books about Usonian houses, this is the best one.
I have bought and read several books about Usonian houses, this is the best one.
Published 13 months ago by Jian Huang
5.0 out of 5 stars
For FLW design lovers
If you're building a house or just love Frank's residential designs, this book is a great addition to your FLW collection. Well-documented and packed with beautiful photographs!
Published on March 30, 2011 by Suzanne Rodriguez
5.0 out of 5 stars
A nice presentation to FLLW
For folks wanting an introduction to how FLLW designed spaces, this one is the one you should start with. Read more
Published on March 8, 2010 by John H. Donnelly II
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good for everyone and useful for students
Good solution for those who want to find out Wright's basic principles !
Especially for students of Architectural Schools ... Read more
Especially for students of Architectural Schools ... Read more
Published on January 25, 2010 by Anton Shramkov
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good ideas but book poorly constructed
The pictures and text of this book are as advertised but the binding fell apart the first time I opened it.
Published on August 21, 2009 by Huckleberry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book!
Very easy read to further understand Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian designs. Great pictures and floor plan presentations!
Published on August 4, 2008 by Anthony R. Barchanowicz
5.0 out of 5 stars
WOW!
This is a must have book for anyone interested in this style of building. Wright was, is, and will always be, a genius.
Published on February 16, 2008 by S. Weil
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 24
books:
See all 24 books this book cites
- The House Beautiful (Wright at a Glance) by William C. Gannett on 10 pages
- The Natural House by Frank Lloyd Wright on 4 pages
- Frank Lloyd Wright (Spanish Edition) by H. Allen Brooks on page 125, and Back Matter
- The Master Builders. Le Corbusier, Mies VanDer Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright by Peter Blake on page 77, and Back Matter
- Frank Lloyd Wright (Reaktion Books - Critical Lives) by Robert McCarter on page 56, and Back Matter
See all 24 books this book cites
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