Julia Morgan, Architect of Dreams (Lerner Biographies) (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "The elderly lady gathered her staff around her..." (more)
Key Phrases: Julia Morgan, San Francisco, San Simeon (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-9-- Because Morgan preferred to let her work speak for her, the first substantial biography of her ( Julia Morgan, Architect Abbeville Pr, 1988 by Sara Holmes Boutelle) wasn't written until 30 years after her death. Thus, it may be somewhat remarkable--and unfortunate--that two biographies for young readers so similar in content have been published in the same year. Either would be valuable but few libraries will need both. Wadsworth capably traces Morgan's unprecedented accomplishments, emphasizing her professional life a bit more than Cary James does in Julia Morgan (Chelsea House, 1990). There is some duplication of the black-and-white illustrations, but in Wadsworth's book, the photographs are cropped more closely and the reproduction is better. Several full-color photographs, which more adequately reflect the splendor of William Randolph Hearst's San Simeon, are also included. Those interested in further reading will find a mixed assortment of adult and juvenile books, including Boutelle's extensive study and several general books on architecture. A list of selected buildings designed by Morgan, many of which still stand, is appended. --Jeanette Larson, Mesquite Public Library, TX
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Recounts the life of the architect whose projects included designing the Hearst Castle at San Simeon, California.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lerner Publications (June 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822549034
• ISBN-13: 978-0822549031
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #649,024 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, January 26, 1999

By A Customer

I read this book when it first came out to review for our library collection. It has always been one of the books that has stood out in my mind as an unforgettable. It is terrific not just for the youth but also adults. It is an exemplary biography for an exemplary woman. Julia Morgan was one of our countries first women architects. It is an excellent biography for girls and the general public. An excellent comprehensive read of one of our countries finest architects. I highly recommend it for someone looking for an oustanding, informative, inspiring fun read for our youth.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An impressive woman, a bittersweet life, August 26, 2003

By	Paul Dulaney (Lake Balboa, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've been somewhat familiar with Julia Morgan's architecture for many years, so it was interesting to read about her life. This is a nice quick read for an adult, but would really be wonderful as a gift to that niece or nephew who aspires to be an architect. The book does a good job of demonstrating how important Miss Morgan's determination and leadership skills were to her success, in addition to her obvious artistic giftedness.

As a Berkeley grad I was disappointed to learn that one of my heros, John Galen Howard, who was chief campus architect in the early 20th century (and designer of the Campanile, among many other of the granite buildings), acted in such a petty way towards Miss Morgan, blocking any campus building contracts from going to her because she had the audacity to leave his office to go solo. On the other hand, Bernard Maybeck sounds as though he was as delightful as the Berkeley brown shingles he designed.

A touching aspect of the book is how it illustrates Miss Morgan's kindness to everyone she came in contact with. She designed a playhouse for the children of the man who chauferred her to and from the Hearst Castle site. When her own mother was getting old and fearful she built an exact replica in San Francisco of the bedroom her mother had lived in for many years in Oakland.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Julia Morgan, June 23, 2008

By	Michael Grubb - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great little book. It gives insight to Julia Morgan the person more than Julia Morgan the Architect. There seems to be plenty of books covering her work but this is a bit more personal. I really enjoyed it.