Greene & Greene: Masterworks

by Bruce Smith, Alexander Vertikoff

In the first decades of the 20th century, Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene almost single-handedly defined the Arts and Crafts aesthetic in America as the architectural firm Greene & Greene. The only full-color survey of the firm's greatest works-including several newly restored to their original grandeur-Greene & Greene reveals the consummate artistry that ensured the brothers' place among the most brilliant of American architects. An in-depth tour of 25 magnificent homes, this book examines the creative evolution of their style. From the Gamble House in Pasadena, Californiawhose director contributes the book's forewordto lesser-known gems throughout the state, Greene & Greene is a wonderful introduction to the brothers' work, and a warm homage to the charms of this refined domestic architecture.

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction, Woodwork, Design, Art

240 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great piece on two brothers who left their residential architectural mark in the early part of the 20th century in California, specifically Pasadena. I only wish there were more descriptions of the home owners who requested work done by Charles and Henry Greene. This would aid in understanding why certain rooms where constructed a certain way. It would have also helped to see more of the landscape as well.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glistening hand-rubbed red, black & brown treeflesh, full color hardcore and softcore woodlust: this is glorious pornography for carpenters and those who work with wood.

[Paul Mosher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great images and good text provide a thorough review of the golden age of Greene and Greene's work. It is incredible that they designed so many good houses in the short period before Charles Greene left the practice.

I particularly liked the way the book began by highlighting how the brothers addressed specific pieces of each house, like stairways and fireplaces, because it gave me background to see how the elements progressed as their designs matured.

I did not care for the oak leaves which separated paragraphs in the text. I prefer an indention. But it felt true to the craftsmen style and I'm sure it was based on some historic precedent.

[Peter Tillman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice book, although the color-photo reproduction is just OK. Due back at the library, or I would read some more of it....

[Rusty Borders · Rating 5 out of 5]

True artist of wood joinery. I tried a few techniques and they did turn out pretty nice.