The Architecture of R.M. Schindler

by Michael Darling, Elizabeth A.T. Smith

With such masterworks as the Schindler-Chace House and the Lovell Beach House in California, the Vienna-born modernist R. M. Schindler (1887-1953) is recognized as one of the most innovative architects of the 20th century. Nearly 50 years after his death, admiration for his breathtakingly original houses and apartment buildings is at an all-time peak.Containing many never-published drawings and photographs and spanning Schindler's early years in Vienna, his apprenticeship with Frank Lloyd Wright, and his bold contributions to West Coast modernism, this book -- which accompanies the first major Schindler retrospective -- offers the most comprehensive view of his genius to date.

Genres: Architecture

288 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2001

About the author

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Reviews

[Topaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is published as part of the exhibition of Rudolph Schindler's work at MOCA. It is not really a monograph, but a collection of essays by architectural historians/experts that discusses the significance and importance of Schindler's architecture.

There are many photographs (mostly vintage black & white), architectural drawings/renderings, and some more detailed drawings/plans (harder to read due to the size).

The book/exhibit does not cover all the works of Schindler, but highlights some of the most important, while also showing off his drawings as a form or art. This is perhaps the most thorough exhibit of Schindler's work since his archives were researched and more material was found that has previously been unpublished.

The book has 5 essays, followed by a list of exhibits in the show. Then there is a complete list of works/projects with has more photos of various buildings, followed by a bibliography.

There are many books on Schindler and I don't know that there is one thorough monograph that checks all the boxes. However, this is probably one of several you would want to own if you are a fan of Schindler. Most of the times museum exhibit books on architecture fall short of being a true monograph, but this one does a decent job if you have lowered expectations from the beginning.

You can see actual photos of the book at Amazon.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to imagine there's a better book on Schindler out there. If there is please someone point it out (or write one) so I can read that too.