The Architecture of H. H. Richardson and His Times

by Henry-Russell Hitchcock

A study of Richardson's architecture in the light of the setting in which he worked.

Genres: Architecture

369 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 1966

Reviews

[Liz Clappin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily the most comprehensive work on Richardson, and far less blatant hero worship than other books on him. I very much like that Hitchcock finds a balance between the real brilliance of much of Richardson's work, and his true innovation at the time, with the reality that his death couldn't have come at a better point in his career, he died at the top. The reality is that Richardson Romanesque had a very small window when it was celebrated, but would quickly have been eclipsed by new technology. While I have often wondered what his work would have evolved into (I think the State Hospital at Buffalo, Allegheny County Courthouse, and New York State Capitol all hint at a bright future regardless) his work in always a fascinating little jewel box to examine and explore.

[Czarny Pies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book about one of America's greatest architects by one of America's greatest critics of architecture Henry-Russell Hitchcock. Boston's Trinity Church and Harvard University's Sever Hall are probably the two buildings of Richardson that have been by the largest number of people. Both are beautiful buildings that despite being designed to impress are still wonderfully elegant. Russell's book brings you close to this intriguing genius and helps members of the general public to more fully appreciate the nature of his accomplishment.

Russell works very hard analyzing the evolution of the designs of most of Richardson's most prominent buildings and then appraises the final result with fine judgment and commendable thoroughness.

Richardson developed his own style known has Richardsonian Romanesque which was employed by many architects through out North America with great success. For example, the three finest buildings in my home city of Toronto (i.e. Victoria College, the Ontario Legislature and the Old City Hall) all rigorously follow the Richardsonian Romanesque Style.

Richardson while was ann innovator in terms of the façade. In terms of the structure he was the last of the Mohicans. In Richardson's buildings the walls still bore the load. This practice would be swept away in the twinkling of an eye as the Chicago School typified by William LeBaron Jenney, Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan would revolutionize American Architecture through their use of steel frames to support the load.

Richardson gave the old style of using stone and brick to support the upper levels of buildings rather than style frames a glorious swan song. Russell's book provides a wonderful story of the man and his buildings. It is well worth a read for anyone who has the opportunity to see any of his buildings which are still standing.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite its age, I have to assume this is the most comprehensive book on Richardson. I assume this as it seemed to take years to complete this seemingly small monograph.