Product Description

The early creative years of pioneer American architect and theorist called the "father of the skyscraper." Projects, insights, evaluations. Essential for an understanding of early modern American architecture. 34 plates.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #654625 in Books
• Published on: 2009-06-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Customer Reviews

Well-written and enlightening, if self-indulgent.
Any student of architecture, particularly the modern movement, will enjoy reading this work by the mentor of Frank Lloyd Wright and, arguably, the father of modern architecture. In it, Louis Sullivan writes about himself growing from a child into a man, and recounts his personal drive, his fascination with nature, his love of man, bridges, engineering, and buildings, and his desire to create something new without the help of the dusty books of Neo-classicism. Louis Sullivan was never known for his modesty, and the tone of this book is nothing less than self-celebratory, which lends an overall optimistic tone to it. A bonus is the extensive photo plate section - it's interesting to see how his works grew as he did. Unfortunately the plates don't coincide with the text, which is the major flaw in this edition. Overall, though, it's wonderful insight into the mind of this influential architect.