Frank Lloyd Wright (First Impressions) - Hardcover

Gr 6-9--Rubin's biography of America's most famous architect offers readers simultaneously more and less than similar books. More details are provided on Wright's most well-known buildings and more of his lesser-known projects are mentioned. However, the writing is often fragmented and rambling, confusing even the most attentive readers. Direct quotations are attributed to speakers, but no sources are cited. Unsubstantiated statements are made about the architect's motivations, such as his interest in residential architecture. Rubin provides no sources for her research, but her facts seem to rely heavily on Wright's autobiography, which is considered by scholars to be filled with inaccuracies. Lots of photographs and illustrations, many in full color, provide a look at many interesting projects, including the only dog house Wright ever designed. Unfortunately, several of the illustrations are too small or are jarringly placed several pages before or after the related text. A list of sources for the illustrations is provided, but the index is slight and omits some important references. Most libraries will be better served by Yona McDonough's Frank Lloyd Wright (Chelsea, 1992).

Jeanette Larson, Texas State Library, Austin

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