Modernism Revistied
While this book is not comprehensive I find myself revisiting it often. It was among the first, or perhaps the first exposure I had to mid-century furnishings. I checked it out of the library and after a few days I knew I had to own some of those pieces. Not long afterwards I realized I needed this book as well and it has become not only a staple but a benchmark against which I measure other books.
Weather I pick it up to flip through the pages and gaze on the photos like the old friends they have become or I digest a bit of the text again I always come away with something new and a deepened appreciation for these little pleasures of life.
Eye Candy for the Modernist
Some critics say that Mid-Century Modern designs tend to look cold and passive. Many, however, including myself, believe this design style to be beautiful and exciting. Classic Modern: Midcentury Modern at Home was written for those of us who love the designs from the 1950s and early 1960s. The photos and captions alone are enough to excite and inform, but when combined with the text, they really add insight into how the designs were created and how they can be re-created in our own homes. I used to consider myself a midcentury modern enthusiast, but after having read this book, I consider myself a bit of an expert. Especially useful are the catalog of furniture and the "Further Reading" sections at the back of the book. One last surprise was the portrait at the back of the book which pictures six of the most prominent designers from the era, including my personal favorite, Charles Eames.
Best of the Bunch
Having recently read over a dozen books on classic modern homes and interiors, including brand new ones like Modernism Rediscovered as well as classics like Schulman's own Architecture and Its Photography, I was still in awe at the quality and quantity of photos in this book. They're almost all full or double-paged and in brilliant color. There is an occassional paired "original period" photo in black and white for an interesting contrast. Unlike some reviewers, I found the text informative because views of the clients and current owners are included - as opposed to just the critics and designers, as in most of the other books. The several appendices are very useful, as well. I would highly recommend this book at more than its "suggested" price, let alone at its incredibly low bargain price. Get it while you can.
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