While I learned some things from this book, I was a bit disappointed in the presentation. The photography left a lot to be desired...in some photos, one could not even get a sense of the structure of the building. Also, being a Wright afficionado, I wanted more from the text.What could be learned from this book, by someone not familiar with Wright, were the stages of his career (Early Homes, Prairie Houses, Houses of the 20s and 30s, and Usonian Houses).
The Early Houses were of many different styles, usually dictated by the owner, since Wright did not yet have enough of a reputation to insist on HIS style.
Prairie Houses (1901 and later) were characterized by art glass, roofs providing shade, bands of windows, open interiors, a ground-hugging form, prominent hearths, and custom (often built-in) furniture.
In Wrights homes of the 1920s and 30s, he found new ways of using old materials, often making concrete into textured blocks. His most famous residential design, Fallingwater, was built during this time.
His Usonian Houses were simpler homes, built more economically, with combined living and dining rooms separate from the bedroom zone. These houses were private on the street side with windows in the back and were usually one-story with a low roof.
No matter what the period of his design, Wright thought that decorations should be limited to one fine item and no bric-a- brac. He thought draperies were unsanitary and believed in "going to nature" for colors used on the inside and outside of his houses. His walls were either punctuated by windows or alcoves or some built-in feature, making it very difficult to hang art. I suppose that Wright felt that his house was all the art an owner needed!
Not a bad book, but just not very complete.
A misleading title - and a very decieving book
I liked it!