Art Deco Chicago: Designing Modern America Hardcover – October 2, 2018

In 2018 the Chicago History Museum had an exhibition called Modern by Design: Chicago Streamlines America. In his Preface, Joseph Loundy says that this book is a companion to the exhibition. I didn't see the show but I would agree that this superb title is really the last word about the style in the city.The first essay in the book, by Robert Bruegmann, discusses the problem of defining Art Deco in relation to fine art and broader aspects of creativity like architecture, interior design, consumer and industrial product design, et cetera. I think this is one of the strengths of the book because it covers the broad scope of Deco styling (actually, I prefer to call it Streamline, which narrows it down to an American style, Art Deco suggests a more European movement).There are five essays before the main theme of the book: Key 101 designs. Over 258 pages this considers, in year order, how the style is represented in the city and environs. Starting in 1914 with Frank Lloyd Wright's Midway Gardens and running through to 1949 with the fascinating Phantom bicycle from the Schwinn company. In between, you'll see plenty of commercial buildings and their interiors, houses, exhibitions, transport, toys, graphic design and from 1930 a Hostess Twinkie, looking very much like a shroud that covered steam engines to give them a streamlined look during the Thirties.All of the entries are illustrated, frequently with more than one image and this is another excellent aspect of the book (325 in all) the pictures are well researched and mostly big on the page. The back pages have copious notes, index and nicely two map pages, one of the center of the city, the other the suburbs, both maps point out where commercial buildings and houses can be seen.Art Deco Chicago reveals a city full of deco delights. Look inside the book at Westread Book Reviews then click 2021 and December.

I bought this book for my husband who grew up in Chicago. He really hasn't spent any time there since he left to goto college but he has enjoyed the pictures and the descriptions of each page. He says he has brought back lots ofgood memories.

rich examples shown of art deco objects as well as architecture. A handsome book from even the book jacket to the content,

This book makes me happy every time I turn the pages. Selected are 101 examples of print, architecture, manufactured products, interior design, fashion and other artifacts designed, build or inspired in Chicago by Chicagoans and firms. Beautifully constructed and designed. Nicely printed this book is a joy to behold and learn about the deco movement, it's influences and outcomes. If you are a fan of this style or of this period in time, this is well worth your money.

I am prejudiced because I served on the editorial committee and wrote essays on the some of the 100 best.Great photography and more than you every imagined you could learn about Chicago architecture and design. Will give you a new appreciation for the monuments large and small that make up Chicago. See the companion exhibition while it runs at the Chicago History Museum.

My son saw this a art museum gift shop and I could tell he wanted it but too expensive there. I found it on Amazon and knew I had to get it for him. He was delighted 😊

Excellent take on Art Deco design and architecture in Chicago and Chicago’s influence on the style. The essays were informative, entertaining, and written by individuals with real academic chops. I was delighted to see that the Twinkie is an Art Deco design!

A beautifully published book with great text and photos.