Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4293635 in Books
• Published on: 1991-03-15
• Released on: 1991-03-15
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 127 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Catalan architect Josep Maria Jujol i Gilbert (1879-1949) was unfairly overshadowed by his prominent teacher, Antonio Gaudi, according to Sola-Morales, who teaches at Barcelona's Escuela de Arquitectura. Jujol's distorted designs, his inspirations (including art nouveau and Catholicism) and his commissions to apply his unconventional style to homes and churches are discussed here. Some 250 images by photographer Levick ( Great California Gardens ) show Jujol's surreal elaborations of functional objects: multihued mosaics and swirls of sgraffito adorn walls, benches and floors; undulating, organic forms are incorporated into iron gates and railings, giving them an elastic, sinuous quality; bricks are stacked to create erratic angles and curves for arches, towers and windows. Sola-Morales's well-researched text is dry, but the charm of Jujol's work is evident in Levick's striking photos.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Italian

Customer Reviews

Eyeopener
If Jujol doesn't ring a bell you are forgiven. Most Modernista architects live in the shadow of Gaudí. And none more then Jujol.

Remember the amazing façade of Casa Batlló decorated with mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles? Indeed, not Gaudí but Jujol.

This books stands at the beginning of what became a reevaluating of this architect. Jujol's own work (not under the guidance of Gaudí) is modest and economic. And if you look at his work you might think that he was a great architect that never had the right kind of clients. This book however tries to prove that Jujol's architecture was rich and luxurious despite the poverty of it materials and means. So instead of creating Gaudí-like buildings he created something that looks 'unfinished' but with the same eye for rich details.

Talk about an eyeopener!

The book itself isn't much to look at. Text companied by sketches in the beginning and photo's at the back. Very annoying considering the detailed descriptions of the various buildings without a photo reference nearby. The print is of good quality but the pictures look amateuristic. Very odd, especially because Melba Levick is a very good photographer.

It's not a book for the general reader but those who appreciate a good architectural analysis it's very recommended.

Perfectly illustrated, printed on glossy paper, and bound
JOSEP M. JUJOL (analysis w/ 19 b&w sketches, plans, bldg sections) p. 5
1. Formative Years p. 5
2. Transformation p. 10
3. Houses p. 15
4. Structures p. 22
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY p. 31.
BIOGRAPHY (w/ b&w portrait) p. 32
PHOTOGRAPHS (excellent in color) p. 34
INDEX OF 253 ILLUSTRATIONS p. 126:
Casa Gallissà 1-3;
Casa Batlló 4-5;
Casa Milk "La Pedrera" 6-11;
Park Güell 13-26;
The Cathedral of Mallorca 27-33;
The Workers' Association Theater of Tarragona 34-40;
Parish Church of ConstantI 41-48;
Casa Iglesias 49-67;
Casa Bofarull 68-87;
Casa Negre 88-122;
Torre Queralt 123-127;
Parish Church of Creixell 128-129;
Church of Vistabella 130-151;
Casa Fortuny (Ca l'Andreu) 152-161;
Tallers Manyac 162-164;
Casa Bruguera 165-167;
Casa Planelles 168-178;
Hermitage of Vallnioll 179-196;
Hermitage of Renau 197-202;
Sanctuary of Montferri 203-220;
Casa Rovira 221-223;
Casa Cebrià 224-229;
Casa Jujol 230-232;
Casa Serra-Xaus 233-235;
Parish Church of Els Pallaresos 236-238;
Parish Church of Sant Joan DespI 239-241;
Parish Church of Bonastre 242-243;
The Church of Sant Francesc 244-246;
Casa de l'Empar 247-249;
Parish Church of Guimerà 250-253