Samuelson, Tim, author, curator.

Louis Sullivan's idea / curated and written by Tim Samuelson ; edited and designed by Chris Ware.

Chicago : Alphawood Foundation, [2021]
©2021

1 volume (unpaged) : illustrations (some color), portraits, plans, facsimiles ; 28 cm + 1 color poster (81 x 64 cm folded to 28 x 22 cm)

The story of Louis H. Sullivan is considered one of the great American tragedies. While Sullivan reshaped architectural thought and practice and contributed significantly to the foundations of modern architecture, he suffered a sad and lonely death. Many have since missed his aim: that of bringing buildings to life. What mattered most to Sullivan were not the buildings but the philosophy behind their creation. Once, he unconcernedly stated that if he lived long enough, he would get to see all of his works destroyed. He added: "Only the idea is the important thing." In 'Louis Sullivan's Idea', Chicago architectural historian Tim Samuelson and artist/writer Chris Ware present Sullivan's commitment to his discipline of thought as the guiding force behind his work, and this collection of photographs, original documentation, and drawings all date from the period of Sullivan's life, 1856-1924, that many rarely or have never seen before. The book includes a full-size foldout facsimile reproduction of Louis Sullivan's last architectural commission and the only surviving working drawing done in his own hand.

9781517912796 (hbk.)
1517912792 (hbk.)

Sullivan, Louis H., 1856-1924.
Sullivan, Louis H., 1856-1924 Exhibitions.
Sullivan, Louis H., 1856-1924 Criticism and interpretation.

Exhibition catalogs
Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Ware, Chris, 1967- editor, book designer.
Sullivan, Louis H., 1856-1924. Works. Selections.
Chicago Cultural Center, host institution.

Location: Library main 315097
Call No.: 315097
Copy: 1
Status: Available