An Architectural Guidebook to Los Angeles

by David Gebhard, Robert Winter

Known as "the bible" to Los Angeles architecture scholars and enthusiasts, Robert Winter and David Gebhard's groundbreaking guide to architecture in the greater Los Angeles area is updated and revised once again. From Art Deco to Beaux-Arts, Spanish Colonial to Mission Revival, Winter discusses an impressive variety of architectural styles in this popular guide that he co-authored with the late David Gebhard. New buildings and sites have been added, along with all new photography. Considered the most thorough L.A. architecture guide ever written, this new edition features the best of the past and present, from Charles and Henry Greene's Gamble House to Frank Gehry's Disney Philharmonic Hall. This was, and is again, a must-have guide to a diverse and architecturally rich area. Robert Winter is a recognized architectural historian who lives in Los Angeles, and has led architectural tours through the Los Angeles area since 1965. He is a professor at Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Genres: Architecture, Travel

543 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

No, it ain't quite New York or Chicago, but L.A. has its architectural charms (spread out though they may be). I'll take a Greene & Greene house over Frank Lloyd Wright any day.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of info. Would have liked better pictures. I've been to a number of places in the guidebook and found the pictures here didn't do these places justice

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I lived in LA, I'd have a million places I'd need to visit to see some of these fabulous structures. Since that's a bit long of a commute for me, I'll just have to keep some of these things in mind next time I'm in town.

The book itself should not be read cover to cover - there lies many zzzzzzzs - but despite my having done just that I learned quite a bit about LA and its various neighborhoods and suburbs. The black and white photos were slightly lacking though I did have to chuckle from time to time as I assume they're still using some of the photos from the original (65ish?) edition (heh, those are not your modern automobiles). Still, it was pretty nifty to see some of the highlights of LA architecture.

I know a 6th edition was released just a few months ago, alas none of my CSU+ libraries seem to care enough to have one for me to borrow. Judging by the pristine nature of this edition (sooooooo unused) maybe they all assume nobody cares enough to get the newest edition. Perhaps I'll check back later.

[Adam Bregman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you find yourself in far flung suburbs of Los Angeles like Monrovia, Woodland Hills or Lomita (though, you probably won't ever go to Lomita), this, the premier architectural guidebook of Los Angeles, should be at your side, informing you about the nearest programmatic ruin or the last standing Victorian mansion. Previously, I wore out an earlier edition. Sadly, some of those structures are no longer standing. Beyond informational, this guide is opinionated and written with some panache. I've been in L.A. for three weeks and have used the new guide over and over. After living here for more than half of my life (I no longer live in L.A.), I'm still making thrilling new discoveries, thanks to this book, like the Eichler tract in Granada Hills. If you have never been, check that out!

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was able to pick up this older edition for a few dollars at a used book site. Poured over the pictures and descriptions. I look forward to checking out some of the listings in the wild, even though I am fully aware that some no longer exist. But this will be a great starting point by location and some history. Would have loved more photos but I'm sure 1000 pages would make it impossible to lug around.

[ipso · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is widely acknowledged as one of the best general sources for stand-out architecture inventory in the greater Los Angeles area. In that, I’ve found it impeccable. However, to me the great tragedy of this book is that there are scant few pictures associated with entries (albeit by necessity, as the book is already “bible thick”.)

Also, although there are a few neighborhood maps, in my experience, it works far better as a research guide reference than a “star map” aid when bopping around the city in your convertible. (Sometimes you want OED, sometimes you want Strunk & White. This book is more OED.)

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally got through this, took me a while. Some really interesting historical information on the different cities. I definitely need to plan a field trip to Pasadena!