An Eames Anthology: Articles, Film Scripts, Interviews, Letters, Notes, and Speeches

by Charles Eames, Ray Eames, Daniel Ostroff (Editor)

An Eames Anthology collects for the first time the writings of American designers Charles (1907–1978) and Ray Eames (1912–1988). Celebrated for their groundbreaking work in graphic design, industrial design, exhibition design, architecture, and film, the Eameses’ prolific and influential career changed the way Americans saw and thought about everyday objects. Widely known as professional collaborators, Charles and Ray were also a married couple, and the texts collected here reveal a behind-the-scenes look at the myriad motivations, inspirations, and outcomes of their partnership over fifty years. Previously unpublished materials such as handwritten notes and correspondence are featured chronologically alongside articles, exhibition reviews, editorials, conference papers, and magazine covers, as well as sections from oral history. The anthology explores the Eameses’ iconic projects such as Case Study House 9 and the molded plywood chair, as well as their work for major corporations as both designers (Herman Miller) and consultants (IBM, Polaroid). Personal correspondence with luminaries such as Henry Ford, Richard Neutra, and Eero Saarinen, among many others, provides insight into the forces behind the advance of modernity in mid-century America.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Architecture

420 pages, Hardcover

First published April 28, 2015

Reviews

[Tim Belonax · Rating 5 out of 5]

The primary sources within this book lend a humanity often lost in other books about this iconic duo. It was a sumptuous read leaving me feeling very satisfied.

I do wish I’d heard/read more from Ray. Perhaps there’s another book that focuses more on her.