Greene & Greene: The Passion and the Legacy

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Summary: Excerpts from reviews
Review: About Greene & Greene: The Passion and the Legacy by Randell L. Makinson

"An exquisite, loving and insightful new book by Mr. Makinson, the foremost authority on Greene and Greene."

--from Old House Interiors, Summer 1999

"Makinson has completed a first-rate history of (Greene and Greene's) renowned architecture...a work of expert scholarship which is also a visual delight."

--from Traditional Building, November/December 1998

"(A) beautiful, large-format book...Greene and Greene: The Passion and the Legacy reminds this reviewer that great architecture does not just happen; it requires a commitment to the development of ideas over time. Only then can the creation of a great building be realized...the art of design as practiced by Greene and Greene is a strong reminder of what is important in the larger view of the world."

--from Bloomsbury Review, July/August 1999

Rating:
Summary: The ultimate & authoritative book on Greene & Greene
Review: I have been collecting articles and books on Greene and Greene for over thirty years and this book tops them all as an authoritative overview by the man who opened our eyes to a national treasure. What a treat for anyone who appreciates Greene & Greene architecture or who enjoys well organized, readable and lushly photographed architectural books. I purchased the book on October 17th at the Blacker House and can give eye witness testimony that these photographs do justice to the Greene and Greene masterworks.

Rating:
Summary: The ultimate Greene & Greene book
Review: If you want one lush, visually opulant but also well-researched book on the Greene brothers and their unique accomplishments in the arts & crafts style, and money is no object, this is the one to get. If it IS an object, Makinson's earlier, smaller paperback, Greene and Greene: Architecture As A Fine Art, will do nicely as a overview of their residential architecture career, but be warned----eventually you'll probably want color photographs. If you've ever visited one of their remaining houses that are open to the public, you know that the color tonalities of the rooms are a considerable part of their charm, and you've probably already bought this book. If you havn't, don't wait 'til it goes out of print. This is THE Greene and Greene book, coffee table or otherwise.

Rating:
Summary: The ultimate Greene & Greene book
Review: If you want one lush, visually opulant but also well-researched book on the Greene brothers and their unique accomplishments in the arts & crafts style, and money is no object, this is the one to get. If it IS an object, Makinson's earlier, smaller paperback, Greene and Greene: Architecture As A Fine Art, will do nicely as a overview of their residential architecture career, but be warned----eventually you'll probably want color photographs. If you've ever visited one of their remaining houses that are open to the public, you know that the color tonalities of the rooms are a considerable part of their charm, and you've probably already bought this book. If you havn't, don't wait 'til it goes out of print. This is THE Greene and Greene book, coffee table or otherwise.

Rating:
Summary: The ultimate Greene & Greene book
Review: If you want one lush, visually opulant but also well-researched book on the Greene brothers and their unique accomplishments in the arts & crafts style, and money is no object, this is the one to get. If it IS an object, Makinson's earlier, smaller paperback, Greene and Greene: Architecture As A Fine Art, will do nicely as a overview of their residential architecture career, but be warned----eventually you'll probably want color photographs. If you've ever visited one of their remaining houses that are open to the public, you know that the color tonalities of the rooms are a considerable part of their charm, and you've probably already bought this book. If you havn't, don't wait 'til it goes out of print. This is THE Greene and Greene book, coffee table or otherwise.

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive & Beautiful
Review: These are among the most beautiful architectural photographs ever produced. Most of these houses are difficult to see and quite difficult to capture in such vivid detail that it must have taken years to assemble such a portfolio. The writing parallels the images. The Blacker House in particular is so opulent and complex that it needs a monograph of its own. One only wishes this book were twice as long with even larger photos and lots more information! Thanks for taking the time to do this right.

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Summary: Catalog copy
Review: This comprehensive overview of the architectural careers of Charles and Henry Greene is the crowning achievement of Randell Makinson's career as the foremost authority on their works.

Makinson organizes the projects of Greene and Greene into recognizable periods and styles, beginning in 1894 in Pasadena, rising to their masterworks created from 1907-1909, and culminating in their separate but cooperative careers in the teens, with Charles practicing in Carmel and Henry remaining in Pasadena.

"It is the yin and yang that the brothers brought to each project which is cause for that undeniable spirit pervading each of their joint works," says Makinson.

The Greene brothers' sensual blending of architecture, landscape, interiors, furnishings, and the decorative arts is the hallmark of their Craftsman style. Over 200 color photographs highlight their furniture and lighting designs, as well as their classic bungalow-style exteriors. The book also includes some important archival images and plans. This is a must-have addition to every architectural library.

Randell L. Makinson is the foremost authority on Greene and Greene, having studied their works since 1954. His books Greene and Greene: Architecture as a Fine Art and Greene and Greene: Furniture and Related Designs (both from Gibbs Smith, Publisher) have been in print for nearly two decades.