Arts & Crafts Design in America: A State-By-State Guide

Rating:
Summary: Good overview
Review: This is a good introduction to the Arts and Crafts movement in America. It is a fairly complete guide to Arts and Crafts creations (defined as useful and simple designs) made from wood, stone, glass, and copper across the country.

The book is well-arranged by state and contains outstanding photos. Most entries include a description of the piece or building, details of its history, and visiting information.

The Arts and Crafts movement started in the late 1880s and ended in the late 1920s, although its designs remain popular today. The movement wanted to unite social reform, art, architecture, and the decorative arts. Proponents believed that architecture should be simple and functional, based on historical forms and constructed of local materials.

Notable examples of Arts and Crafts design were Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture and interiors (called the Prairie School); Stickley's Craftsman furniture; and Louis Tiffany's glass designs.

I would have liked it if this book had had more photos of interiors and objects, but it never promised that, so the disappointment was of my own making.