The skyward trend of thought : the metaphysics of the American skyscraper / Thomas A.P. van Leeuwen.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Leeuwen, Thomas A. P. van.

Contributor:

Wunsch, Aaron V., Former owner.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Skyscrapers--United States.

Skyscrapers.

Architecture and society.

Architecture--United States--History--20th century.

Architecture.

United States.

History.

Physical Description:

viii, 176 pages : illustrations ; 28 cm

Edition:

First MIT Press edition.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Mass. : MIT Press, 1988, c1986.

Summary:

This remarkable book on one of the few supposedly native American building types rejects the view put forth by Sigfried Giedion, Nikolaus Pevsner, and others following in their wake that the skyscraper was the precursor of the modern movement and expressive of America's desire for a commercially viable building type to house its commerce and suit its pragmatic values. Instead it sets up a very different argument, one that resurrects the powerful aesthetic and ideological values of the skyscraper.

Notes:

Includes index.

Bibliography: pages 153-164.

Local Notes:

Athenaeum circulating copy: From the Library of Aaron V. Wunsch.

OCLC:

17621423