Frank Lloyd Wright: A Biography

The best Bio on Frank I have read. (Gill's Many Masks comes in second because, in my view, it presents a less convincing explanation of his character.)What is exceptional and the result of new research by Secrest is the family history, especially his Welsh ancestry.The Author presents a credible explanation of Frank's personality by identifying similar traits in the family.As an architect I find it refreshing to read an account of Wright void of architectural critique; one whichfocuses on his life history, friends and associates.I still find it hard to form a clear picture of his personality despite the long and consistent accounts by the various authors.In archival film he comes across as a more moderate and humble human being.However if it is humble you want stay away from his autobiography.If it is humble you want then don't read the autobiography.

This is the story of a man who produced a group of the most significant buildings in the twentieth century, Frank Lloyd Wright, Architect.It is not the complete story of who he was and what he did but Meryle Secrest has opened the records and begun revealing, in a very easy ro read biography, the people, events and talents that allowed him to play the part of a great architect who was an artist, builder, author, lover of music, beauty and women.With all the theatricality of marital and financial troubles in the life that's presented by Secrest it's not surprising that his grand daughter Anne Baxter received an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.Laurels to Meryle Secrest for this personal history of Frank Lloyd Wright's life. May those who follow her do as well in adding to our knowledge of this great person.

This biography is published by University of Chicago Press. It is 600 pages long, 9 point font (at best), 24 pages of Index references, and 5 pages of bibliography references. The photos are on matte paper and difficult or impossible to see. It is a thorough academic publication, which is great if that's what you're looking for. I need to buy a magnifying screen to read this.

I am about halfway through this book and must say it is quite good. The beginning of the book is too detailed about Mr Wright's family history, but it may be a necessary to understand how his life story developed. If you are like me I wanted to read about his architecture and some of the famous buildings like Fallingwater. The story is really developing at the halfway point. If you are interested in FLW than I think this will be a good read.

FLW is certainly the great man of architecture in the USA,but as a human being he had few redeeming qualities. Hecharmed his way through life, unable to ever live withinhis means. Who needs two grand pianos? How many buddasdo you have to have? He lived life on a grand scale becausehe acquainted it with a neccesity for a happy life. He was adriven man. I think Meryle Secrest recounts all this and morein her wonderful biography.

I'm giving this 2 stars as I can't bring myself to give any author one star. I wish, in this case, I'd given credence to the one and two star ratings before ordering this book. I have to agree with one critique - this book gives "way too much minutiae-not enough focus on what is important" . I wanted to learn about the man - what motivated and inspired his works and gain some understanding of the how and why of his designs. However, pages and pages of why he dressed the way he did and details about the people that influenced how he dressed was just too far off the necessary biographical information reservation for me. This is only the second book I've ever not read all the way through. I really scratch my head on how this "work" moved readers to give such favorable ratings - and I'm from Wisconsin. Save your book money and use it to buy some good cheese curds & brats instead - trust me.

Very compelling book that relates the life of Frank Lloyd Wright as a master of innovative architecture. It reveals his personal flaws and his genius. It was amazing how out of adversity, he always managed to come out on top. He was a very eccentric personality, a man truly ahead of his time.I really loved this book.

I read dozens of books a year. This was one of the most boring books I have ever read. Literally forced myself to read a little each night until I finished. So why three stars? I think the author's research was thorough...perhaps too thorough. Just not a very good read. Dragged and dragged.

The man was a genius and a brilliant architect.

great book for a retired architect to read.

As described

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