Book Description

“A terrific book.” —Washington Post, on previous edition “An unusually effective art book for children.” —Publishers Weekly, on previous edition Previous edition sold more than 50,000 copies This revised and updated edition of a longstanding classic details the life, times, and work of America’s most celebrated architect. Through kid-friendly prose and anecdotes, Thorne-Thomsen describes the influences of Wright’s Wisconsin childhood--nature, music, and close family ties; his struggles to find work as a young architect; the unique style that led him to the top of his profession; and masterpieces like the Robie House, Hollyhock House, Fallingwater, the Guggenheim, and many others. Also discussed are Wright’s sometimes controversial private and public life and the people and times that influenced him and vice-versa, with new sidebars on topics such as the Chicago and Bauhaus schools of architecture, Friedrich Froebel and his influential toy blocks, and the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Budding architects will delve into architectural and design concepts while having fun through 21 hands-on projects, such as creating an edible model of Fallingwater, making a miniature Japanese kite, reading an architectural plan, and much more. A time line, glossary, bibliography, and list of houses to visit are also included. Kathleen Thorne-Thomsen specializes in writing and designing books and websites for museums, historical sites, and educational organizations. She is the author of Greene and Greene for Kids, The Huntington for Kids, The Sustainability Book for Kids, and many others. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.