From Book News, Inc.
The architectural historians Twombly (CUNY, New York) and Menocal (U. Wisconsin, Madison) highlight the social implications of Sullivan's theories of architecture based on nature. The two lengthy essays, which are well illustrated with b&w photographs, are followed by Sullivan's previously unpublished "Study on Inspiration." The remainder of this sumptuous volume (slightly oversize: 8.75x10.5) features a complete catalog of Sullivan's drawings, reproduced in good quality b&w.Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR


Book Description
With nearly 300 drawings and 130 black-and-white illustrations, as well as previously unpublished writings, this book gives a profound new perspective on Sullivan's genius.The great American architect Louis Sullivan believed that art should reveal the creative method of nature. The greatest artist was the poet, whose understanding of nature spurred social change. In his writings, drawings, and architectural designs, Sullivan's poetic genius is apparent, as is his life objective, a rebirth of American democracy through cultural reform. This volume is both a tribute to Sullivan's poetic vision and a catalogue of all his graphic work. The authors, Robert Twombly and Narciso G. Menocal, discuss the social implications of Sullivan's theories of architecture based on nature, with visual proof of his passion in illustrations of his work on paper and in three dimensions. A translation of "Etude sur l'inspiration," Sullivan's seminal and heretofore unpublished credo in verse, is further testimony to the architect's vision. The final section of the book is an illustrated catalogue of all extant Louis Sullivan drawings, some never before published. From his student sketches to intricate studies of ornamentation, the drawings follow Sullivan's evolution as an artist, architect, and social critic.


About the Author
Robert Twombly teaches architectural history at the City University of New York. He has written biographies of Louis Sullivan and of Frank Lloyd Wright, and has edited Sullivan's public papers. Narciso G. Menocal teaches architectural history at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His books include Architecture as Nature: The Transcendentalist Idea of Louis Sullivan.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The first book to include all of Louis Sullivan's known existing drawings, as well as some of his previously unpublished writings, Louis Sullivan: The Poetry of Architecture gives a new perspective on the great American architect.

FROM THE CRITICS

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