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Frank Lloyd Wright: The Architecture of Defiance
The historic Welsh origins of the architect’s creative defiance.
The father of modern architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright learned his defiant creativity from the radical politics and work ethic of his Welsh family. Throughout his career, Wright strongly resisted the idea that his accomplishments owed anything to earthly influences. As much as he wanted his achievements recognized, he wanted them to be unaccountable, but according to Jonathan Adams, they are not. Drawing on new discoveries about the architect’s upbringing, this book reveals how Wright’s mother and many aunts and uncles raised him with a reverence for the fierce radicalism of their Welsh ancestors. Presenting a new perspective on a renowned creative, Jonathan Adams reveals how the culture, faith, and philosophy of Wales shaped Wright into the visionary he became.
The father of modern architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright learned his defiant creativity from the radical politics and work ethic of his Welsh family. Throughout his career, Wright strongly resisted the idea that his accomplishments owed anything to earthly influences. As much as he wanted his achievements recognized, he wanted them to be unaccountable, but according to Jonathan Adams, they are not. Drawing on new discoveries about the architect’s upbringing, this book reveals how Wright’s mother and many aunts and uncles raised him with a reverence for the fierce radicalism of their Welsh ancestors. Presenting a new perspective on a renowned creative, Jonathan Adams reveals how the culture, faith, and philosophy of Wales shaped Wright into the visionary he became.
408 pages, Hardcover
Published January 5, 2023
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September 27, 2025
This was a Christmas gift from my daughter and has taken months to finish because I would read a chapter or two in between book club selections and other reading commitments. It became a warm companion book.
Another reason for reading it so slowly was that when I got to accounts of Lloyd Wright's buildings, around half-way through the book, I couldn't help stop and google images of exterior and interiors.
This is a fascinating account of the many facets of Lloyd Wright's life. He lived into his 90s and, remarkably, seemed to become more productive with every decade. He also managed four substantial romantic relationships, leaving his wife and 6 children for the tragically-fated Mamah Borthwick, taking up with Miriam Noel just months after the awful murders, and then spending 35 years with Olgivanna.
There are many books about Frank Lloyd Wright. What makes this one different is that Jonathan Adams centres Lloyd Wright's genius for shape and form in his Unitarian roots and the influence of his many Welsh uncles and aunts who emigrated to Wisconsin in the 1840s. In particular, Adams gives credit to Anna Wright (née Lloyd) as the prime influence of his early years. Most biographies skate over her role and give the father far more credit than he is due. Surely the most basic evidence of the Welsh influence is Frank's early substitution of his middle name "Lincoln" with "Lloyd."
This excellent book has plenty of images and plans, a much needed family tree and detailed sources. It made me want to spend a month in the US, visiting as many of his buildings as possible. Although I may give Warren McArthur House a miss - one of his early 'bootleg houses' (1892) in Chicago. Looking at google maps, the current owner has painted the main exterior wall flamingo-pink.
Another reason for reading it so slowly was that when I got to accounts of Lloyd Wright's buildings, around half-way through the book, I couldn't help stop and google images of exterior and interiors.
This is a fascinating account of the many facets of Lloyd Wright's life. He lived into his 90s and, remarkably, seemed to become more productive with every decade. He also managed four substantial romantic relationships, leaving his wife and 6 children for the tragically-fated Mamah Borthwick, taking up with Miriam Noel just months after the awful murders, and then spending 35 years with Olgivanna.
There are many books about Frank Lloyd Wright. What makes this one different is that Jonathan Adams centres Lloyd Wright's genius for shape and form in his Unitarian roots and the influence of his many Welsh uncles and aunts who emigrated to Wisconsin in the 1840s. In particular, Adams gives credit to Anna Wright (née Lloyd) as the prime influence of his early years. Most biographies skate over her role and give the father far more credit than he is due. Surely the most basic evidence of the Welsh influence is Frank's early substitution of his middle name "Lincoln" with "Lloyd."
This excellent book has plenty of images and plans, a much needed family tree and detailed sources. It made me want to spend a month in the US, visiting as many of his buildings as possible. Although I may give Warren McArthur House a miss - one of his early 'bootleg houses' (1892) in Chicago. Looking at google maps, the current owner has painted the main exterior wall flamingo-pink.
Displaying 1 of 1 review