Frank Lloyd Wright and Taliesin

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Romantic Look at Taliesin Now and Then.......2001-07-11

Although many people know that Frank Lloyd Wright operated his architectural enterprise for many years from Taliesin in Wisconsin, relatively few Wright fans have been there. Having been born into the rural farm country of Wisconsin, many of Mr. Wright's architectural ideas emerged from that rolling country and its beautiful rivers and views.

Many who admire Fallingwater will be intrigued to compare the views of the Wisconsin river at Taliesin ("shining brow" in Welsh) with the stunning sights in the Alleghenies. Mr. Wright was working at Taliesin when he sketched his first drawings of Fallingwater. The land is steeper at Fallingwater, and the waterfall at Taliesin was originally there to provide power. Many of the principles of the two sites are otherwise similar in striking ways that will give you a deeper understanding of Mr. Wright's work.

The highlight of this book comes in the wonderful color photography that will probably inspire you to want to visit (in the summer time) to enjoy the hundreds of acres of grounds and the many architectural features that Mr. Wright designed there. Many may not know about his windmill tower that the local farmers predicted would not survive high winds, but which continues to beautifully grace the site.

I was fascinated to see original photographs of Taliesin and its surroundings while Mr. Wright was working there, as well as the views from today. Like a lot of Mr. Wright's work, the romantic idealization of his vision has proceeded quite far. But we will still enjoy it, even if it has evolved from the original.

Having seen this book, I have decided to make a pilgrimage to Taliesin. I have been to Taliesin West many times, and have enjoyed that wonderful Wright work very much. Taliesin West is located in Scottsdale, Arizona and was Mr. Wright's refuge from the cold Wisconsin winters in his later years.

After you enjoy the beauty and the history of Taliesin in this fine volume, I suggest that you think about the place where you were born. How has it shaped your vision? In my case, my home was nestled in a small valley surrounded by enormous mountains. It was natural to want to aspire to climb to great heights upon considering that monumental view every day.

Take the best from your heritage and share it with those whom it will help!

Book Description

If you've ever wanted to step inside a house designed by frank Lloyd Wright or if you've ever dreamed of living in one The Wright Style offers the next best thing: an extraordinary look inside dozens of Wright's incomparable houses, all of them filled with countless inspiring ideas from America's favorite architect.

From "pure" Wright houses to homes where his decorative magic has been mixed with related styles, the book captures the essence of the architect's timeless designs the spaces, the textures, the colors, the light, the furniture, the special features that all say Frank Lloyd Wright. As the magnificent houses here show, each of Wright's buildings was a complex composition of many interrelated elements; he regarded them as symphonies. Wright designed not just the shell, but everything inside as well: furniture, skylights, art glass windows, light fixtures, textiles, carpets, wall murals, decorative accessories, even the landscaping.

Illustrating how Wright affected and inspired other houses, The Wright Style also presents interpretations of Wright's principles by some of his followers and apprentices providing a guided walk through a century of his unsurpassed influence on design. And for those who love Wright but who cannot live in complete, authentic rooms or purchase antique Wright furnishings, the book's catalogue of products makes it possible at least to bring a touch of the Wright style home.

"Wright's ideas have so permeated our architectural world that we have lost track of the source," writes author Carla Lind. "His open floor plans led to family rooms, kitchens open to living areas, indoor spaces open to outdoor living spaces, garden rooms, decks, and carports. His use of glass opened window walls and brought generous amounts of light and inspiring vistas into rooms. He altered America's collective subconscious. By bringing together many elements and inspirations, most neither new nor original, he was able to synthesize fresh new forms that reflected the character of the nation."

Customer Reviews:

I second the nomination.......2004-04-18

All of the other customer reviews were extremely positive, and I would like to concur in their respective judgments.

Wright's life was filled with controversy, and his work is subject to complex interpretation. Other authors, in my opinion at least, devote way too much book space to these matters; Lind, on the other hand, has done a masterful job in organizing the key elements of Wright's style (furnishings, usonians, etc>) and gathering stunning, modern photographs that illustrate each.

If you buy one book on Wright, this should be the one. Better than anything else I've seen, it will demonstrate why the man's work lives on -- 45 years after his death.

A Gorgeous Look Inside.......2002-07-03

This book takes a look at what makes Frank Lloyd Wright's designs still so popular today. The book itself is so gorgeous, focusing not just on the houses but also on the furnishings, which can be breathtaking! The photos were excellent and conveyed the feeling of really being there.

I read three books about this architect this weekend, and this one was the most complete of them all. It gave me a peek into so many of his uniquely designed buildings and the furnishings and decorative arts that he created for them.

Something I had never seen before: at the end of the book there is a catalog of items that can be purchased from different vendors. These are FLW reproductions, items inspired by FLW, and those "in the style of FLW". These items range from furniture to rugs to lamps to fabrics and decorative items.

On my "tour" of over 40 houses (designed by both Wright and his followers), I saw that all of the designs were simple ones, with natural colors and finishes, the buildings seeming to spring out of the earth. I saw the open flowing floor plans that are sheltered by overhanging, gently sloping roofs. Many of the places I "visited" had built-in furniture and fixtures.

It was interesting to view all of the things that Wright designed for his homes....besides the items mentioned above, he also designed the windows (art glass), light fixtures, skylights, wall murals, and even the landscaping!

Wright changed American architecture forever, resulting in open floor plans, multi-purpose rooms, naturally-lit spaces--- and showed us a different way of living.

Wonderful introduction to Wright's Art.......1999-07-09

This is a wonderful book: gorgeous color pictures with an informative and most insightful text. Far beyond a coffee table collection, this is a real contribution to understanding Wright, and American housing. Lind discusses the design ideas of a number of Wright's most famous or typical extant buildings. You get a good idea of the exhilarating play of light and space in his houses, and the real significance of such modern cliches as ranch-style, strip and corner windows, patio doors, and built-ins. Besides real insight into Wright's aesthetic, the book is notable for its unique coverage of 12 houses by Wright disciples, and appendices on interior arts and sources of reproductions. (Wright would be appalled, since he saw furnishings as uniquely integral and scaled to particular houses!) A "dangerous" book, it singlehandedly reawakened my interest in Wright's architecture. It may draw you, too, into learning more of Wright, and influencing your choice of home.

A good primer on the elements of a Wright home........1998-08-22

The book has many photographs an does a credible job of detailing each of them. I found that the book well organized. . I would highly recommend this as an intro to Wright's work. The author tries to touch on as many subjects a possible, as result there are times when it was somewhat lacking in depth. That being said there is a great reference of things Wright in the back of the book that is worth the price of admission alone.

Frank Lloyd Wright Interior Style & Design

Average customer rating:

12x12 now that's a big book

Frank Lloyd Wright Interior Style & Design
Doreen Ehrlich , and Frank Lloyd Wright
Manufacturer: Running Press Book Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0762416270
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Book Description

This legendary architect's vision wasn't limited to mere structures. Many of Frank Lloyd Wright's "organic" home furnishings have become bona fide classics, as well-known as the buildings for which he designed them. This stunningly illustrated survey of Wright's stylish interiors delivers an up-close look at his designs in furniture, fittings, ornamentation, lighting, art glass, fabric patterns, carpets, and even crockery. Informative text and fantastic color photography document the revolutionary methods, techniques, and materials with which the visionary 20th-century architect transformed the indoor spaces of domestic, public, and religious buildings

Customer Reviews:

12x12 now that's a big book.......2007-03-27

Ya gotta keep that size in mind when yer thinkin' about this book. There's about a picture per page virtually all in color. About 17 of those fill the page. And each one of those photos is pretty spectacular because of it and, of course, because they're of various shots of interiors of FLW's buildings. The book spends about 2 to 6 pages or so on 18 case studies of particular buildings. There's some nice pictures of vases and glass with most of the book focusing on various interior shots. About a quarter of the book is text. The information provided is interesting. I got to admit that I love a large FLW book with as many giant color photos as possible. In that regard I'm a little let down here as most of the photos are 1/2 to 2/3 page size. It's a nice book and the size itself really adds to the beauty of it given the subject. I paid around [..]for it on amazon.com and I think I'm happy with that. [...]

Frank Lloyd Wright at a Glance: Interiors (Frank Lloyd Wright at a Glance)

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Frank Lloyd Wright at a Glance: Interiors (Frank Lloyd Wright at a Glance)
Abby Moor
Manufacturer: PRC Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Frank Lloyd Wright's Interiors

ASIN: 1856487121

Book Description

Following an illuminating introduction that explains the architect’s philosophy of design and his approach to interiors, 15 case studies and a selection of other buildings showcase just how spectacular, yet livable, Frank Lloyd Wright’s interiors could be. He never simply constructed an “outer shell” for the building and walked away: he created an entire elaborate layout, and his use of interior space and the furnishings he designed are as startling and attractive as his structures. From art-glass lamps and statuary to tables and chairs to carpets and fabrics, he strove to carry through carefully planned out themes and motifs.

50 Favourite Designs by Frank Lloyd Wright

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50 Favourite Designs by Frank Lloyd Wright
Diane Maddex
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Furniture | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Style | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0500019614

Average customer rating:

Frank Lloyd Wright: The Kaufmann Office
Christopher Wilk
Manufacturer: Antique Collectors' Club
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Furniture | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Style | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1851771050

Frank Lloyd Wright Interior Style and Design

Average customer rating:

Frank Lloyd Wright Interior Style and Design
Doreen; Vrato, Elizabeth Ehrlich
Manufacturer: Running Press Book Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OLWDN2

Average customer rating:

NIght and low-light photography

Good film shooting book.

Great Book by a Great Photographer and Author

Outstanding Lessons in "Difficult" Photography

Excellent but dated

The Complete Guide to Night and Low-Light Photography
Lee Frost
Manufacturer: Amphoto Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Lighting | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Reference | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | How-to | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)

Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition)

The Photographer's Guide to Filters (Photographers Guide)

John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide

John Shaw's Landscape Photography

ASIN: 0817450416

Product Description

Find out how you can produce breathtaking images indoor and out with low light! This comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing the best equipment and film to ensuring correct exposures in tricky situations. The book also tackles a wide range of different themes and lighting situations including firework displays, candlelight and weather phenomena.

Customer Reviews:

NIght and low-light photography.......2007-06-09

Received book very promptly, reading my way thru this at the moment, great serivce thx

Good film shooting book........2007-03-22

I liked the book but I was expecting more from the author in covering Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras as well as film. The book has spectacular shots of low/no light photography but all using film. I have a DSLR and I have been learning a lot about photography specifically digital picture taking and wanted to focus on that aspect. Much of the information on the beginning of the book covers equipment and only a small part covers information that could be used for digital cameras.
The book features great shots and I will try to reproduce some of the shots. I also think that is well written and was a joy to read.

Great Book by a Great Photographer and Author.......2007-02-15

Lee Frost is my favorite photographic author. Unlike some other photographers who decide to write a book, Mr. Frost also has writing talent. He never seems to be talking down to his readers, as some seem to do. Instead, his books give you that "I'm no one special, but I'll tell you what I've learned so you don't make the same mistakes" type of feeling. I particularly like the fact that he includes pictures where he made a mistake, something we know every pro does but usually won't admit to. This book gives you everything you need to know to shoot great pictures in low light, using film or digital. He doesn't go into digital much, but the techniques are the same for both, with the exception of having to bracket exposures. Who needs to do that when you can see the results right away? But if you're shooting film, you need this book. The pictures are fantastic and clearly illustrate the author's point, even the mistakes. If you haven't bought a camera yet, read this book first!!! You may decide, given the beauty of film pictures and the availability of excellent film cameras for very little money, that digital photography isn't for you. A great book, either way you decide to go.

Outstanding Lessons in "Difficult" Photography.......2007-01-29

This is a truly excellent how-to on capturing those difficult shots in low light environments, both outdoors and indoors. I am a professional scenic and wildlife photographer and I learned MUCH -- and gained considerable confidence, too -- from reading and studying this book. I read it very slowly, over many months, and tried the techniques and principles Lee Frost describes in my own work as I progressed through the chapters. The results were outstanding, leaving me with far more confidence and skill in managing difficult shots. If anything, the book covers too much, with a long lead-in on types of cameras and lenses, etc., and the final sections on specific subject types tend to be repetitive of the central text, itself. (But, then, we learn by repetition and Mr. Frost is a good teacher.) Still, the CORE information in the book is extremely helpful and valuable. It's on my top shelf for photographic technique and will remain there!

Excellent but dated.......2007-01-19

I found the material very helpful and the concepts straight forward with plenty of example photo. The only downside is that the book is dated and tends to talk about digital photography as some futuristic, yet un-refined, technology.

Night And Low-Light Photography: A Complete Guide

Average customer rating:

A shot in the dark
For Beginners Only!
Tired, boring photo and stories
Good Book
great book

Night And Low-Light Photography: A Complete Guide
Bob Gibbons , and Peter Wilson
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Lighting | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Reference | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Equipment | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0304343315

Book Description

"Clearly explained solutions to problem lighting situations from rock concerts to sunsets. Desirable for all public libraries. Highly recommended."--LJ. 192 pages (45 in color), 43 b/w photos, 7 1/2 x 9 3/4.

Customer Reviews:

A shot in the dark.......2001-09-26

With high expectations, I purchased this book after reading a great sell-in on the back cover promising a wide range of info from film, filter and processing, to special effects and techniques. With promises of two, "top-notch" photographer's insights into this mytical realm, I took the bait-hook, line and sinker. Pouring over the first few chapters I thought that there was sure o be some major revelation waiting for me, just around the next corner. Unfortunately, it never came.

Targeted to those with extremely little or no photography experience, this book is a treatise in the art of saying nearly nothing with many words. Furthermore, after reading through this book, I can honestly say that I found very little to do with its subject matter. A smattering of dated information, the logistics about where (not how!) to take low-light photos and, quite honestly, an awful lot of rather mediocre examples describes this book that you should remove from your list of "things to read" lest you end up with it in your wood pile.

For Beginners Only!.......2001-08-22

Really, I can't say this book was good or bad, just that it was made for people who have almost no photography experience. Although things like composition are very important, when it comes to night photography, exposure becomes paramount. But this book gives only the most general of advice in that area! It would have been nice if the author would have at least put exposure information next to each picture (exposure, lens, film speed, and other info would have been even better). The book would be better served concentrating less on talking about ideas for nice compositions...let us, the buyers of the book, find our own compositions...let the book tell us how to get the right exposure for the myraid of different night time conditions. The bottom line: This book is a nice "chat" about night photography: don't expect to find any seriously useful tips about the art.

Tired, boring photo and stories.......2000-12-21

I don't want to spend more time to write about this book. It's not there's nothing to write to, but I don't want to disappoint the authors of this book. The photo are not only boring, but the stories behind are worse. Not good at all. Do they have "zero" star?

Good Book.......2000-10-12

I was looking for a low light photography book. Saw the review of this book in Amazon and bought it. The way authors start with some of the fundamentals of low light photography is amazing. The authors give a lot of ideas for different composing techniques for low light photography. But the book seems to be stretching on a bit with details about composing techniques and others as opposed to techniques in capturing the exposures. Given the fact that this is my first low light photography study material I consider this as a good eye opener in that subject.

great book.......2000-08-09

Reading this book expanded the range of my photography significantly. The author includes many excellently exposed night shots, text describing how they were done, and an exposure chart. As is typical for books of this type, the one page that is the exposure chart is the highlight of the book.

The moonlit shots of a bay on the Atlantic Coast of Ireland that I shot on my honeymoon are very fun to own. In my wedding photography, I think this book has had a good influence on learning the technique of balancing the exposure of a night scene with a foreground subject lit by flash.

Of course long exposures can not be attempted without a decent tripod. If you are planning some travel photography, I advise you to refrain from leaving your best gear at home in favor of recently purchased compact gear which may be inferior. Take your full camera bag, and stow a tripod/lighting bag, too.

While I think this is a motivating, interesting book, my only suggestion is for the author to record exposures and publish them alongside the photographs. My recollection is that the treatment of exposure is chart and running text based, and not associated with specific photos. This treatment, while unusual, was, none the less, effective.

Peter

Average customer rating:
Night & Low-Light Photography a Complete Guide
Gibbons Bob & Wilson Peter
Manufacturer: Blandford Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SHTKPQ

Book Description

Violent internal conflicts in more and more countries are ruining the lives of millions of people and undermining the ability of their governments to provide security and a tolerable economic existence. The contributors to this book take a new view of the reasons for this grave development in Africa, the Balkans, Central Asia and elsewhere. They question traditional analyses of conflict which rely primarily on ethnic, religious and cultural explanations since these do not take account of the increasingly obvious link between the growing scarcity of renewable resources and violent conflict in developing countries. Shortages of cropland, fresh water, woodfuel, pasture and marine resources cannot be ignored. At the same time, this book argues that one cannot understand domestic conflicts simply in environmental terms, for environmental scarcity functions in a society within a complex matrix of historically derived economic and political situations. In particular, an unequal social distribution of resources exacerbates scarcity and fuels popular conflict.

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