Frank Lloyd Wright: Europe and Beyond

Frank Lloyd Wright: Europe and Beyond by Alofsin, Anthony. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780520211162.

Ask Americans to think of a famous architect and the person they are most likely to name is Frank Lloyd Wright. Wrights work, his reputation, and his long and colorful career have made him an icon of modern American architecture. But despite his status as Americas most celebrated architect, his influence throughout an active practice spanning the years 1896 to 1959 is so wide and complex that it has been difficult to grasp fully. The essays in this book look not at the United States, the context usually associated with Wright, but at countries around the globe. Anthony Alofsin has assembled a superb collection of scholars to examine Wrights importance from Japan to Great Britain, France to Chile, Mexico to Russia, and the Middle East. Interwoven in the essays are stories of champions and critics, rivals and acolytes, books and exhibitions, attitudes toward America and individualism, and the many ways Wrights ideas were brought to the world. Together the essays represent a first look at Wrights impact abroad, some from the perspective of natives of the countries discussed and others from that of informed outsiders. Of special note is Bruno Zevis firsthand account of traveling with Wright in Italy. Zevi was instrumental in bringing Wrights ideas to Italy and in helping launch the movement for organic architecture. Of unusual interest in light of todays events in Iraq is Mina Marefats essay on Wrights elaborate designs for a cultural center for the city of Baghdad. The Baghdad projects, which were never realized after the assassination of King Faisal II, were Wrights principal focus in his last decade. In searching out the little known rather than reexamining the well-established aspects of Frank Lloyd Wrights work, this collection is a rewarding exploration of his vision and influence.