A Guide to Architecture in Los Angeles & Southern California by David Gebhard

by David Gebhard

This guidebook has it all for the amateur LA architecture sleuth on a quest to discover the vast and important treasures in the Los Angeles area--interesting descriptions and historical narratives, numerous photos of current (circa 1977) structures and some--for whatever wretched reason--destroyed buildings, plus maps (again, circa 1977) and tips to get there. Private residences, commercial buildings, movie palaces, cemeteries, churches, schools and parks are all well represented in the wonderful ranges of style that only LA can offer (although one genre, the fabulous 50's "Googie", is minimally covered). The book is worth its weight in gold both as a fascinating guide and as a historical record of architecture in southern California. Happy Hunting!

Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Avedon Arcadio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually read the original 1965 print that is more pocketbook shaped.

A trim and straight to the point guide with simple remarks on each building along with tips to get there. This is obviously 55 years old and I can’t rightly know for certain how many of these are still standing but having this guide as a primer for the area is worth any architecture fan’s time in tracking down.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have an earlier 1965 version of this book & use it all of the time as we venture around So Cal.
From Palm Springs to Santa Barbara.....Good maps for each area so it is easy to use.
Also contains photos of many outstanding architecture.

An even earlier similar booklet from 1951 is: "A guide to Contemporary Architecture in Southern California" and is a classic for early mid century architecture. (Watling & Company, Los Angeles)
Again.. maps, photos some floor plans and descriptions.