Julia Morgan, Architect of Dreams

by Ginger Wadsworth

These informative and inspiring biographies will give young readers a look at the lives of some of the world's most influential people in history. Each over 100 pages, the books are also ideal for reports.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction

128 pages, Library Binding

First published August 1, 1990

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

So everyone knows that Julia Morgan is the architect of Hearst Castle, but she also designed many great YWCA buildings -- including the ones in Riverside, CA and Salt Lake City.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to learn more about the fascinating life of architect, Julia Morgan.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book while I was on a quilting retreat at Asilomar, a conference center on the Monterey Peninsula. Miss Morgan designed Asilomar, along with almost all of the YWCAs in the west and over 700 other commissions. But her most famous commission was the Hearst Castle (over many decades). She was an extremely fascinating woman. Her accomplishments would be unbelievable if she had lived today - a hundred years later. The fact that she did what she did at the turn of the century is beyond remarkable. They didn’t even want to admit Americans into the architectural school in Paris and never a woman, but she persevered and after 2 years was accepted. I will probably have to look into other books about her. And of course, all the books regarding Hearst Castle too.

[Kev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julia was a pioneer of women's rights in time when women were not allowed in the professions dominated by men. She was the first woman ever to be accepted at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and successfully completed her architectural design degree.

Let me repeat that. The first women to do this in 1900.

She's an inspiration.

[RomanceIsMyJam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snack sized intro to Julia Morgan. Gets down to just facts with not a lot of fluff or much in depth detail.

It was a good intro to Julia Morgan. I would seek out other books about her. As again this is just a quick read. Basic information.

Appreciated all the pictures. Also really liked the inclusion at end of book of locations and names of buildings so I can check out some in my area.

I also have a book about Marion Davies to read. I would also like to pick up more books on Hearst and The Enchanted Hill.

Neptune pool is a work of art. Thank you Julia Morgan for all the beauty you gave this world.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful biography of Julia Morgan, the famous Californian Architect in the late 1800s and 1900s. I got to see Ginger Wadsworth talk about the books she writes which intrigued me to read this one. Ginger Wadsworth wrote about Julia Morgan in an engaging way and kept it interesting the whole read. Thank you Ginger Wadsworth!

[Richard Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, a part of our history. We did go see her biggest design on the coast this past year. I had to read more into her. This was a good illustration of where she came from and how she got to where she was. I would recommend this to anyone. I plan to visit more of her designs.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. Very informative and good for youth.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative quick read about the extremely determined architect Julia Morgan. Such a fascinating caring woman, so far ahead of her time in a field that was not only dominated by men, it was unheard of for a woman to even be allowed the opportunity to venture. Can't wait to start planning a trip to see Hearst Castle.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a straight-forward, quick read about the amazing female architect who designed Hearst Castle as well as many other Bay Area buildings. I really enjoyed learning about this fascinating woman who had an amazing career at a time when it was definitely out of the norm.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia was who I wanted to emulate as a little girl. She is amazing and influenced many women and the change in what is considered only a mans world.