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Bibliofile
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Frank Lloyd Wright, American Master
Photographs by Alan Weintraub,
Text by Kathryn Smith; 2009, 400 pp.
Rizzoli;
Hardcover
 
In chronological order, this survey treats over one hundred iconic and lesser-known structures, ranging from Wright’s early work in Oak Park, Illinois, to the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Smith, an architectural historian, splits Wright’s long career into phases – Deconstructing History; Abstracting Nature; Materials as Metaphors; Building Usonia; and Leaving a Legacy – as she convincingly argues that Wright was not a member of the functionalist Modernist camp, but instead believed architecture was an art. And Weintraub’s sensitive, full-page photographs demonstrate this art; his interior images, muted and golden, provide a strong sense of atmosphere, while the exterior shots have a wonderful clarity. While these images are the strength of this book, the text presents a significant if compact discussion of Wright’s development. Unfortunately, the tiny captions can be confusing as the reader struggles to figure out which building is pictured; nevertheless, overall, this book should appeal to those just starting an exploration of Wright, as well as to those who already look to his work for pure enjoyment, for historical understanding, or for professional inspiration. A list of the selected works, their dates, and locations is included, along with an index.
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