Fallingwater [ハードカバー]

In the introduction Ms. Waggoner raises the question of whether another book on Fallingwater would be useful, "hasn't it all been said; what is new; what more can be shown?" Clearly there was a great deal more to say, to learn and to see and in this book all of it is said gracefully and intelligently, elucidated clearly and illustrated beautifully. BRAVO! This is a work for study and contemplation. Spend time, meditate on the concepts, absorb - or enter into - the photographs and revel in more than you can ever gain from a single visit, or even many visits, to this compelling masterwork.

I have had the privilege of visiting Fallingwater many times, in all seasons, under many weather conditions and many times of day and night. What a gift to have a book that captures such a diverse range of perceptions through clear description, thoughtful interpretation and phenomenal photography. Each of the authors included in this volume has studied this World Treasure thoroughly over many years. We are privileged to share in the fruits of seven author's experience and wisdom. Each of them has written on a particular aspect of the building and its site, its contents, the history of the building and the life of the family for whom it was conceived and built by the genius architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Buy this book and revel with me as these authors provide new insights into the history of the building, the experience of the building in its magnificent setting and let your mind open as they suggest perceptions of the building (along with its furnishings, art and personal memorabilia of the family) that will make our understanding of this masterwork richer and more complete. Explore this book over time and then visit Fallingwater in person; for the first time or again and yet again. The experience is different each time and, to put it simply, being at Fallingwater is good for the soul. Allow each visit to deepen your appreciation of this unique work of Art in Nature.

Finally, I must comment specifically on the photography. Christopher Little's photographs capture this work in views that it would take us many many visits to accumulate and he provides perspectives and details not previously shown, (or at least not shown so beautifully) views that invite us to see more deeply! (eg. see fig. 19 - the aerial photograph used to illustrate Professor Levine's masterful essay "To Hear Fallingwater Is To See It In Time" and the wonderful photos of Fallingwater in fog.) By carefully selecting the `scope' of each photograph Little has achieved the seemingly impossible; he has suspended the experience of music one chord, or one phrase, at a time. The cumulative achievement is to allow the viewer to take one step at a time and to pause to explore the emotional depth that is Fallingwater.

Brilliant! Masterful! We are deeply indebted to Waggoner and each of her contributors for offering this remarkable achievement.

Larry A. Woodin, M. Arch.
Vice President, Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy
Author: The Gordon House: A Moving Experience

This book, celebrating Fallingwater's 75th anniversary, is a testament to how much Mr. Wright, and his masterpiece of organic architecture, still have to teach us.

The book begins with a "Director's Tour," by Lynda Waggoner, accompanied by Christopher Little's wonderful photographs. It's the next best thing to being there!

I've lived on the same road as Fallingwater, for many years; it's a feature of my neighborhood, so to speak. I've seen it in all seasons, over decades. It's never looked as fine as it does in these pages.

The book features seven illustrated essays by experts and Wright scholars, along with appendices and notes. Documents and personal correspondence from the Kaufmann family, which only recently entered the public domain, were among the treasures that fascinated me most about the new book. Whether you're a frequent visitor yearning for more, or someone just discovering the greatest example ever of a building in absolute harmony with nature, this book will not disappoint.

Central to the theme of architectural studies is the marriage between visual
communication and written response. Together they enable a higher level of inquiry and
acquisition of knowledge. My recent review of the Rizzoli publication, Fallingwater
proves that this equation works.

The superior imagery and thoughtful essays create a vehicle to explore the subjects of
Architecture, Interior Design and Preservation, in general and specific to Fallingwater.

I found the essays to be well conceived and broad in their reach to engage readers. I was
entertained and educated in ways that increased my level of interest.

The photographs are transformative, shot in many ways and seasons. They assisted me in
make a meaningful connection to the written word. In my opinion, the balance between
text and image, technique and composition allow this book to excel.

Tony Spano
Tempe, Arizona