Domestic Architecture of H.T. Lindeberg (Acanthus Press Reprint Series. 20th Century, Landmarks in Design, V. 6) (Acanthus Press Reprint Series. 20th Century, Landmarks in Design, V. 6)

With an introduction by architect/professor/author Mark Alan Hewitt, this 1996 edition offers a little more about H.T. Lindeberg and his work. The original 1940 monograph has a brief introduction by Royal Cortissoz, but nothing more is told of the wonderful early twentieth century houses after the owner's name, the city and state, and the date of construction. The site plans, floor plans, exterior photos and interior photos do portray a great deal in presenting the architect's design philosophy, but it is only a taste that most will not find quenched.

With well-connected partner Lewis Colt Albro, H.T. Lindeberg left the prestigous firm of McKim, Meade, and White in 1906 to open their own New York City architectural office. In the wake of the scandalous public murder of Stanford White, the new partners' first commissions were directly connected to existing or previous M,M & W clients, embracing the wave of economic prosperity and the rich who wanted homes, in a scholarly mixture of both the urbane and the bucolic, as symbols of their success.

In addition to the picturesque country houses from predictable locations such as Long Island and Lake Forest, there are examples from such disparate locations as Terre Haute, Indiana, and Knoxville, Tennessee. There is a section on furnishings designed by Lindeberg and another on designs for consulates and embassies for the U.S. Government in Shanghai, Moscow, Helsinki, and Managua. But an unexpected yet fascinating section features an assortment of 1930s designs for modular steel houses of a very stark Art Moderne style; unfortunately, it seems that none were ever built.

Perhaps there will someday be a comprehensive book on Harrie Lindeberg with new color photos and more information, but for now we have this serviceable reprint of the architectural monograph. It is a MUST HAVE for all interested in fine residential design.

Just a gorgeous book, stunning images and wonderful text. Lindeberg was know for his English style country homes. My hometown of Houston is lucky to have serveral of his wonderful homes, but his masterworks were on Long Island. Lindeberg was one of the most saught after architects of his era, his homes where perfectly set into their settings. He mostly designed homes in his signature style, perfectly inbodied in the home on the cover of this book. Acanthus Press should be commended for putting out wonderful, gorgeous books like this, you rarely see this kind of craftsmanship in books today. Highly recommended to anyone and everyone.