Julia Morgan (pb): Architect of Beauty

by Mark Anthony Wilson, Monica Lee (Photographer), Joel Puliatti (Photographer)

Julia Morgan, America's first truly independent female architect, created over 700 buildings across California and beyond—outproducing even Frank Lloyd Wright during her five-decade career that left a remarkable legacy of landmark structures.

Julia Morgan, America’s first truly independent female architect, left a legacy of more than 700 buildings, many of which are now designated landmarks, in cities throughout California, as well as in Hawaii, Utah, and Illinois. Her work spanned five decades, and the total of her commissions was greater than any other major American architect, including Frank Lloyd Wright. This book tells the remarkable story of this architectural pioneer, and features text, drawings, and photographs of the many buildings that still exist.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Architecture, History, Art

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 2007

Reviews

[Emily]

I went to Mills College and learned about Julia Morgan’s legacy via El Campanil, which became one of my favorite places to go.
I learned so much about Morgan through this book and found out I live not far from a Morgan building now!
I wish maps had been used to help describe the locations of some of these buildings, especially in reference to one another. The author was a bit inconsistent as to how he referred to Morgan, but that is just a small pet peeve.

[David Welch]

Makes a compelling case that Julia Morgan is one of the all-time great American architects. Her work has aged beautifully — deeply humane and with extraordinary craftsmanship. The photos are excellent.

Some minor quibbles: I wish the section on Hearst Castle were longer, and the section on her other residences a bit shorter. And the architectural descriptions can be a bit academic and repetitive. But otherwise a wonderful and important contribution to architectural history.

[Lauren]

Beautiful book with wonderful information and photos. The only shortcoming I find is that the writing itself does drag on, listing facts about architecture. I usually prefer a more narrative style.

[Dawn]

Last month I visited Hearst Castle in California. Though it was beautiful I was more interested in the architect than the building; back in the early 1920's women architects were not common. I was curious about Julia Morgan, and ordered this book from my library. Written by the son of Julia Morgan's assistant, the writing is not inspired but the photography of buildings and rooms that Ms. Morgan designed is wonderful, and it was interesting to learn more about the woman who created so many beautiful places. If you've been To Hearst Castle I recommend this book. If you haven't I recommend it anyway. The book is beautiful as are the spaces, and you'd be surprised, they aren't all castles..she designed regular buildings and smaller homes as well.

[cpr]

The photographs are amazing. This professor at my school knows his stuff. :)

[CompassBookRatings]

See full book review with rated content analysis at:

http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...

[Charlene]

Been to or headed Hearst Castle, Oakland or SF... then this is a must read, must see book. It opens your eyes to the beautiful work of Julia Morgan.