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Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water: The House and Its History by Donald Hoffmann
A total revision of the standard document on Fallingwater, the boldest, most personal architectural statement of Wright's mature years. Updated with valuable new material from the recently opened Frank Lloyd Wright Archives, the book gives special emphasis to Fallingwater's architectural innovations. "Fascinating. " — The New York Times. 116 illustrations.
Paperback
First published December 31, 1978
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 5, 2024
It's cool to read this book as a look into the egomaniacal insanity of architects. It's so bizarre to take the basic human need for shelter and turn it into such a dramatic display of "artistry".
I mean, I'm all for audacity of design but when you contextualize Fallingwater in the late depression Era and read about FLW wanting to use gold leaf in the mortar of the paving stones it is kind of painful. I still want to visit the house to be honest, and I'm fascinated by the process of building scaffolding and concrete forms in the running stream. I just feel like with most books about construction, the book is focused on the wrong people. I want to read about How they built, not so much What they built.
The book itself is good though. Lots of photos and insight about the interpersonal disagreements that came up between builder, architect, and client.
I mean, I'm all for audacity of design but when you contextualize Fallingwater in the late depression Era and read about FLW wanting to use gold leaf in the mortar of the paving stones it is kind of painful. I still want to visit the house to be honest, and I'm fascinated by the process of building scaffolding and concrete forms in the running stream. I just feel like with most books about construction, the book is focused on the wrong people. I want to read about How they built, not so much What they built.
The book itself is good though. Lots of photos and insight about the interpersonal disagreements that came up between builder, architect, and client.
September 27, 2022
A must if you are as much in awe as I am of Fallingwater and Wright. I borrowed a copy from the library but would love to own my own just for Wright's drawings alone. Seeing his sketches and plans really show you the magnitude of his genius in design. It also tells the history behind the actual building of Fallingwater through letters of the owners, builders and Wright. It's amazing this treasure ever was completed and that we can now see it ourselves. Glad I read it before my visit, which is a bucket list about to come true thanks to my wonderful daughter!
The only negative is all the pictures are in black and white but again wonderfully illustrated with detailed pictures of the interior, exterior and Wright's plans.
The only negative is all the pictures are in black and white but again wonderfully illustrated with detailed pictures of the interior, exterior and Wright's plans.
November 9, 2022
This blow by blow account of Fallingwater from inception to conservation is incredible …. the 1937 photos take us back to its beginnings, pictures of the stonemasons who built the jigsaw walls, faded copies of plans. The correspondence between client, architect and builder make you wonder how it ever happened. I had the good fortune to visit this year, and special it is.
November 7, 2022
A diary of the design and building of this famous building complete with delays and Wright's unprofessionalism. The Kaufmans must have been really must mesmerized by Wright's charisma and genius to have stuck with him and still adored him. I don't think I could have.
May 8, 2020
A nice behind the scenes glimpse of somewhere I really enjoy going. Can’t wait to go back
March 8, 2021
Quite an architect!
December 5, 2024
Want to visit!
June 8, 2016
Visiting this home has been on my bucket list and I’ve always been intrigued by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. I decided to read more about this home that is more like a piece of work. I found this book gave me enough history and background without too much of the architectural / engineering narratives. Lots of pictures, although all in black and white. Looking forward to visiting the real thing this summer!
October 14, 2016
Outstanding book about Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece built into Bear Run Creek in western Pennsylvania. This book is filled with details about the design, engineering and construction of the house, as well as the relationship between the owners and the architect. I read this book just before visiting the house, and it was an interesting and detailed introduction that added to the understanding of the house.
March 7, 2009
Just finished. Karen and I took the kids here several years ago and I'm so impressed with this house as a work of art. The book has a lot of letters between Wright, the owner (Edgar Kaufman of Kaufman's department stores) and others that tells the background, but mostly, I like the photos.
July 31, 2016
Meh, good facts but oh so dry.
Want to read
July 20, 202511a t10
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews