Frank Furness: Architecture and the Violent Mind

by Michael J. Lewis

Frank Furness' energy, confidence, brashness, vulgarity, and full-throated love of life vibrate in his architecture. This first biography details his abolitionist upbringing in staid Philadelphia, the horror of war and its translation into aggressive architecture - train stations, banks, and libraries - and illuminates his influence on his century and the world. 200 b/w illustrations

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Michael J. Lewis is an American art historian and architectural critic. He is the Faison-Pierson-Stoddard Professor of Art History at Williams College and the architectural critic for The Wall Street Journal.

Reviews

[Jessie Morford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Lewis does a fine job of providing the reader with biographical information for an often volatile and secretive man whose work has largely been demolished. There is sufficient critique of Furness’ work to inform those who have studied architecture or design but the book is approachable and informative for the casual reader. I checked this one out from the library but would love to own a copy. I can’t wait to go to Philadelphia to see some of his remaining works!