They All Fall Down: Richard Nickel's Struggle to Save America's Architecture

by Richard Cahan

"Richard Nickel, whom I had the delight of knowing during hisall too brief life, is one of the unsung heroes of Chicagoarchitecture. He was not an architect himself, nor a designer. Hesimply took pictures, but what pictures! He was, for want of abetter description, one of the most sensitive of architecturalphotographers. More than that, his life--and ironically,tragically and poetically, his death--were fused to Chicagoarchitecture. How he died tells us how he for the beauty inthe works of Sullivan, Wright and the others. His story is one thatmust be told."
--Studs Terkel, author

"He was completely understanding of architecture and genius andof the quality of the work he was dealing with. He wassingle-minded in his pursuit and dedication to quality in history,art and architecture. That is an increasingly rare quality."
--Ada Louise Huxtable, former New York Timesarchitecture critic

"Richard was an excellent photographer--sensitive andintelligent, and a very good craftsman".
--John Szarkowski, former Director, Photography, Museumof Modern Art, New York

"Richard Nickel was one of those who saw architecture, and whopassionately and skillfully pursued its portrayal. He was one of avery small number, and to make his work known would be afundamental service to architects, students, and teachers as wellas to the art of architecture."
--Edgar Kaufmann, Jr., architectural historian

Genres: Architecture, Photography, Biography, Art

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[Debbie Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a true story about one man's passion to save Chicago Architecture from demolition. As urban progress won, he became a documentarian for dozens of lost buildings and Chicago architecture - his passion becoming obsession - his ability to search out beauty is almost painful. I'd love to retrace the steps of Richard Nickel....his life reminds us all to slow down and smell (and see) the roses. If you like his photography, also read "Richard Nickel'sLost Chicago" .

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both beautiful and very sad, this book tells the story of Richard Nickel a man who loved architecture and believed in the importance of its preservation. His photographs of Chicago landmarks are gorgeous, even as most of those landmarks were being dismantled or demolished as they were taken.

An important part of Chicago history.

[jw468 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A necessary read to fully understand the work that it took to produce The Complete Architecture of Adler & Sullivan.

[Jeannie]

This man is a true inspiration.

[Marina Panos · Rating 5 out of 5]

great biography for anyone that loves the passionate architects and photographers of chicago's past.

[Naberius]

Chicago,Lost Chicago

[Ana Rusness-petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on my favorite photographer of all time!!

[Howard Mansfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belongs on any short list of preservation books or books on American architecture.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved...