© Mark Hertzberg (2025)

We are previewing four new books about Frank Lloyd Wright and his architecture. Two were recently published. The other two might be on your wish list for next year. (Disclaimer: I have photographs in the Hansen and Rovang books, and am consulting on the Hardy House section of the Lubell / Pielage book)

In alphabetical order, by author:

Ken Dahlin, Frank Lloyd Wright and the Path to Beauty

Dahlin, a Racine native, is the award-winning architect who is the founder of Genesis Architecture in Racine. The book is part of the “Routledge Research in Architecture” series. As previewed by Routledge: “This book connects Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic theory with his pursuit of beauty, presenting a path for the recovery of beauty in architecture…”

Dahlin recently spoke at Wright in Wisconsin’s event at Taliesin and signed books at the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy’s conference in Pittsburgh. His work is the cover feature of the current issue of the Journal of Architecture + Design (see link below).

Kristine Hansen: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Illinois

This book will be a sequel to Hansen’s successful 2023 book Frank Lloyd Wright’s Wisconsin: How America’s Most Famous Architect Found Inspiration in His Home State which went into three printings.

The Illinois book, whose subtitle has not been determined yet, is expected to be published next July or August. Wisconsin is a slim paperback that through photographs and narratives explores Wright’s work in his native state. It is described as “is part travel guide, part fireside chat with stewards of his designs.” Globe Pequot is the publisher of both books.

Hansen at her book talk at Boswell Books in Milwaukee, June 9, 2023.

Sam Lubell and Andrew Pielage: 50 Houses

Rizzoli will be publishing this book by architectural writer Sam Lubell and Wright and architectural photographer Andrew Pielage. A press release previews the book as a project that “will delve into the stories of 50 of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most iconic designs…(it) will uncover the rich and distinctive narratives that make each house as remarkable as its design.” The book is more than just another architectural and historic survey of these properties as it “celebrates Wright’s enduring legacy and the human experiences” of the houses. One of the 50 houses is the Thomas P. Hardy House in Racine, which I have long been familiar with. Lubell and I had a long conversation about the house in the living room a month ago. Pielage was given the privilege of staying there overnight so he could photograph it at different times of the day, evening, and night:

Sarah Rovang: Through the Long Desert – Georgia O’Keeffe and Frank Lloyd Wright:

Rovang’s book had its genesis eight years ago in a “why not?” moment when she attended a panel discussion in Santa Fe with Stuart Graff, then President and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, and Cody Hartley, Director of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum,  about similarities between the two artists. Someone in the audience suggested that there should be a book about them, because they knew each other. After a week of pondering the idea, she emailed Graff and Hartley that she would want to be the author. Rovang will be at the October 23 “Sunsets & Sips” at Taliesin West:

https://franklloydwright.org/sunsets-sips/

I can relate to the “why not?” moment. I am often asked how I started on the path to being commissioned to write and photograph first one book, and ultimately four, about Wright and his work in Southeast Wisconsin. It’s a convoluted tale, that started with a “why not?” moment. Bravo, Sarah, for following through on that moment!

Links:

Dahlin’s book website, with discount coupon (the book lists for $152):

https://www.routledge.com/Frank-Lloyd-Wright-and-the-Path-to-Beauty/Dahlin/p/book/9781032620053?srsltid=AfmBOopoF7ZSGIZC6IbNLkzliB53hBd1nLevv3ShpW0sQQzL4M8G6apy

Genesis Architecture:

https://www.genesisarchitecture.com

OA + D Journal:

https://oadarchives.bigcartel.com/product/journal-oad-v13n2

Routledge Research in Architecture Series:

https://www.routledge.com/Routledge-Research-in-Architecture/book-series/RRARCH

Hansen’s book:

https://www.globepequot.com/9781493069149/frank-lloyd-wrights-wisconsin/

Sam Lubell’s website:

https://www.samlubell.com

Andrew Pielage’s website:

https://www.apizm.com

I urge you to purchase books directly from the publisher or from a local bookseller rather than reflexively ordering from “The Big A.” Even if Amazon will save you money, we need to support our local bookshops.

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