Frank O. Gehry: Outside In

Rating:
Summary: Great Book for Target Audience
Review: As a graduate of Loyola Law I've had the opportunity to view his work up close and personal and truly enjoyed being a part of it. The campus continues to evolve and its development was exciting to witness. This book does indeed showcase and highlight most of his important works and ideas. Also, will shed some interesting light on his background and those experiences that continue to influence him.

One thing I would mention to readers (or those, like myself, that do not read the publishing information so clearly prior to purchase). Though I bought this book on the strength of the New York Times Book Review and have no regrets, it is quite short and takes the form of an oversized glossy magazine or children's book. In fact, the language is written with a younger audience target in mind. Though a great introduction to Gehry, it is not an full in-depth critical review of his work. Additionally, the "DK" logo figures prominently on the front cover giving it even more of a "young adult" feel. This may disappoint some of those readers who are looking for a more academic critical analysis of his work and buy this with that objective in mind. That being said, it is a nice package and thoroughly enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: Master Architect - Great Book
Review: Frank O. Gehry is a marvelous innovative architect. As a children's librarian, I am pleased to find such a good work on a contemporary architect. With many full color photographs, young people and adults will be drawn into Gehry's world. A brief history of his life and his early efforts in architecture give way to a tantalizing look at his recent project, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa, Spain. This is a must for introducing young people to architecture.

Rating:
Summary: Outside IN
Review: I bought this book for several friends after reading Paul Goldberger's rave review in the New York Times. Actually, everyone agrees that Goldberger was not enthusiastic enough. It is the best introduction to architecture I've ever read--and I grew up amidst the work of Marcel Breuer, Philip Johnson, Eliot Noyes et al. Young people really do go into the book. It is also an outstanding summary of the subject--for young and old alike. A read-aloud book that takes your eyes out of their sockets. I can't recommend it more highly for children of all ages!