Julius Shulman: Chicago Midcentury Modernism Hardcover – April 20, 2010

Julius Shulman has been called the greatest architectural photographer of the 20th Century. This book makes him the frontrunner for the 21st. Assertively grasping a modest hint from the books' author, Gary Gand, the vital Mr. Shulman took on his last great project in his mid-90s. His sublime photographs of fifteen homes by eleven Chicago area architects radiate the warmth of extensive wood beams and wood and brick sides of homes set in the cool shade of massive oak trees. From the outside several of the homes almost seem to float. Interior shots illuminate how the outside is brought in by all of these architects and display an array of iconic mid-century modern furniture. (One current occupant joked that they were moving in the same furniture that was moving out.) The book is lavished with some nine dozen Shulman photos, some very large, in addition to an array of historic black and white shots by others. The cover photo alone deserves the most visible place on your coffee table. But this is far more than a book of photos. The accompanying essays by Gand portray the influence of the Bauhaus school in Chicago beginning in the 1930s and its influence on these architects, and the trajectory of the architects' careers. The homes, as homes, are brought to life by Gand's essays on the first and present occupants of each home, and the exacting efforts of current occupants to update and expand while fully preserving what each architect had brought to life. This is one coffee table book that will be poured over many times.

Julius Shulman: Chicago Mid-Century Modernism is a well written and beautiful book on an important part of the Chicago and Midwest Architectural scene. It speaks to the importance of the original designs and the significant contributors to the face of local architecture of that period. Gary and Joan Gand tell the story from the perspective of locals who experience the impact of this style first hand. It's the story of a significant and lasting style, the architects who created it, and the people who commissioned the work and those who appreciate and preserve the designs to this day. The photography itself is as stunning as the subject matter and puts the reader directly into each scene. Together with the text, it captures the spirit of the time and the significance of the style in the period, the bold thinking of the architects and their clients, and the international architectural movements that set the stage. Chicago and the surrounding area hold a very rich architectural history, and an important portion of it is documented in this book, in a very personal and caring manner.

I absolutely love this book. The photography is top notch and the history is educational. If you are a Midcentury fan, this would make the perfect coffee table book or inspiration for your next restoration project. I was fortunate to meet the Gands at a Chicago Bauhaus meeting, and they are exceptional people. I purchased my Midcentury home in 2016; imagine my surprise when I learned the home was featured in the book and the back cover! Better get your copy before I buy them all out. ;-)

When first introduced to this book I was only somewhat familiar with the style of home described in the book, but the writing and the photos were so intriguing that I have become more and more fascinated by the mid-century modern home. I have given this book as gifts to people who were moving to Chicago,although not necessarily mid-mod fans, and they have thoroughly enjoyed it. If you have been interested enough to be reading this review, buy the book. You will be very pleased.

You have to look at a lot of houses of this time period to appreciate this book. It was a marvel that you do not have to change a house of high caliber to get a stunning home. I am using the insights to remodel carefully a gem that. Has so many of the element of these homes. I just wish more of these were built and are available. This book really got me excited for the style and simplicity.

This is fifth copy of this book I have pruchased (one for myself and four as gifts). Many think Shulman only worked in California-just as some believe mid century residential architecture is confined to the Golden State. This book defies those myths. Prominent,but sometimes under appreciated houses, in the greater Chicago area are covered in exquisite detail.

this is my first time purchasing julius shulman's book. great shots and i will be buying more of his works!

I love it. Three of the archtects were my neighbors in Riverwoods, Illinois

Nice book to have