Volume 5, The Impact of European Modernism in the Mid-Twentieth Century, examines the influence of European modernism on American architecture from 1930 to 1960. Generously illustrated on focused existing buildings, most of which are now open to the public, this volume offers valuable insights into the architecture that marked the beginning of America's modern era.

"A balance of sophistication and clarity in the writing, authoritative entries, and strong cross-referencing that links archtects and structures to entries on the history and theory of the profession make this an especially useful source on a century of the world's most notable architecture. The contents feature major architects, firms, and professional issues; buildings, styles, and sites; the architecture of cities and countries; critics and historians; construction, materials, and planning topics; schools, movements, and stylistic and theoretical terms. Entries include well-selected bibliographies and illustrations."--"Reference that rocks," American Libraries, May 2005.

Classic, indispensable introduction to industrial design in the last century.

In this hugely appealing book, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, acclaimed author and journalist Daniel Okrent weaves together themes of money, politics, art, architecture, business, and society to tell the story of the majestic suite of buildings that came to dominate the heart of midtown Manhattan and with it, for a time, the heart of the world. At the center of Okrent's riveting story are four remarkable individuals: tycoon John D. Rockefeller, his ambitious son Nelson Rockefeller, real estate genius John R. Todd, and visionary skyscraper architect Raymond Hood. In the tradition of David McCullough's The Great Bridge, Ron Chernow's Titan, and Robert Caro's The Power Broker, Great Fortune is a stunning tribute to an American landmark that captures the heart and spirit of New York at its apotheosis.

It has spawned a recent rash of imitators, but many critics believe it to be the best. Now available in paperback, ita (TM)s also the most affordable. "The text is filled with crisp, beautiful black- and -white photographs of interiors and exteriors as well as images of models and architectural drawings. The photographs are especially striking, as they were taken at or near the time of each structurea (TM)s completion, documenting its clean, striking presence. This is the most complete title available on this architect.a a " Library Journal "Historian Romana (TM)s book fills a major void, for examination of this legacy has been strikingly meager. He provides a thoughtful, and engaging introduction... He offers many insights on the architecta ~s ideas and methods. An elegant assortment of period photographs accompanies the text. This accomplished publication should have widespread appeal for all persons interested in modern architecture. Highly Recommended.a a " CHOICE

The era from 1890 to 1930 constituted a building boom for American art museums designed in a monumental, classical style; both the proliferation of the buildings and the ubiquity of the style seem to indicate an architectural as well as a sociocultural phenomenon. The present work is an attempt to place the American art museum building of this period into its historical milieu, and employs over one hundred illustrations and sociocultural analysis to explain the significance of both the institutions and the structures housing them to those who came into regular contact with them, including architects, patrons, journalists, and museum personnel.