The New Architecture: A Testament; Annotated Typescript

WRIGHT, FRANK LLOYD

Edité par Horizon Press, 1957

A propos de cet article

HEAVILY ANNOTATED TYPESCRIPT, THE "DEFINITIVE MANUSCRIPT" OF WRIGHT S LIFETIME REVIEW OF HIS OWN ACHIEVEMENTS AND PHILOSOPHY. THE GREATEST AMERICAN ARCHITECT, Frank Lloyd Wright pioneered the integration of nature into architectural design. His "Organic Architecture" interfused the space and flow of habitat and environment, and applied the mantra that "form and function are one" to the interior of his buildings. In the realm of architecture, his very name stands as a testament to creativity, innovation, and a deep connection with nature. Written at the end of his life, A Testament seeks to transmit Wright s philosophy of architecture to future generations and contains Wright s fullest and most explicit statement of the principles of "Organic Architecture". The work includes both an autobiographical statement of the sources of Wright s creativity together with a retrospective assessment of his own work (in context of a broader critique of 20th century architecture). Published only two years before his death, The Testament serves as a personal and professional summation of his life's work, architectural principles, and worldview. The typescript, excepting one sentence fragment, is complete, and heavily annotated throughout. On a card "title page", his editor and publisher Ben Raeburn has written, "A Testament / doubly edited / Mostly FLW s handwritten corrections and some mine. B.R." Additionally, on the first page, someone (possibly Raeburn) has added, "Definitive manuscript / Corrections by FLW and by B.R. all retained by FLW as final." The annotations are many, long, and substantial. Wright s are in pencil and are characterized by a thicker and more slanted and untidy script. Other annotations (Raeburn s and maybe someone else s) are in ink and neater pencil. The pages are covered in annotations, many extensive by Wright, including substitutions and corrections of long and significant passages that allow us to witness Wright s thinking and creative process. Although the statement on the first page claims that all the corrections are final, there are some differences (including a change to the final line) between this text and the published version. (The final changes were likely made in the galleys.) There are other versions (fragments and sections) of the typescript with the Frank Lloyd Wright papers at the Wisconsin Historical Society, but this typescript appears to be the final typescript before printing. It was the property of the publisher, Horizon Press (who printed most of Wright s works), with their stamp and address on the first page. The typescript is 261 total pages (8 1/2 x 11 inch sheets, type and annotations on rectos only), numbered 1-187, then 151-224. There is no repetition of the text page 187 leads into 151, although a few words are missing in the transition when compared to the printed text. It is possible the second batch of pages (151-224) are from a different version of the typescript (it lacks the ink corrections), though it appears, like the first batch, that the annotations are a mix of Wright s and Braeburn s. Overall very good condition, housed in a chemise and full morocco box. A UNIQUE ITEM OFFERING INSIGHT INTO THE THINKING OF ONE OF THE 20TH-CENTURY S MONUMENTAL FIGURES.

N° de réf. du vendeur 3011

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: The New Architecture: A Testament; Annotated Typescript
• Éditeur: Horizon Press
• Date de parution: 1957
• Reliure: Typescript in custom box
• Édition: First Edition.
• État de l'article: Very Good
• Signé: Signé par l'auteur
• Catalogues du vendeur:
  • Art & Photography
  • History, Culture & Ideas
  • Autographs & Letters