American Synagogues: A Century of Architecture and Jewish Community FROM THE PUBLISHER
American Synagogues is the first book to explore the exceptional works of architecture of modern American synagogues in the twentieth century. In this book author Samuel Gruber relates the fascinating history of the Jewish people in America and how it is expressed in twentieth-century synagogue design.
The book features all-new photography of synagogues in many styles from a dozen states, many never before published in any form. These include major buildings in the New York area, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Baltimore, Cleveland, Austin, and elsewhere. The synagogues were designed by such European masters as Eric Mendelsohn, Walter Gropius, and Pietro Belluschi, who helped bring modernism to America; and the best-known modern American architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Philip Johnson, Harrison and Abramovitz, and Minoru Yamasaki. Many include artwork by Ben Shahn, Louise Nevelson, and other important artists. Striking but little-known synagogues of the post-war period by Percival Goodman, Sidney Eisenshtat, and Werner Seligmann are included. Visually stunning variations on Classical and Deco forms by major early twentieth-century architects, such as Arnold Brunner, Henry Hornbostel, Alfred S. Alschuler, Charles R. Greco, and Philip Trammel Schutze are also featured. Important contemporary works by Norman Jaffe, Thomas Beeby, Will Bruder, Lake/Flatow, Alexander Gorlin and others demonstrate the most recent developments in synagogue design.
SYNOPSIS
As an author/curator of books/exhibits on Jewish places of worship and historic sites, Gruber (Judaic Studies, Syracuse U.) offers a lively and well-researched study of the architecture of US synagogues built since 1900. Illustrating his selections with 200 photos taken expressly for the book by Paul Rocheleau, Gruber examines the diverse styles of such masters as Pietro Belluschi and Frank Lloyd Wright and contemporary architects, in the context of the identity of the American Jewish community. The book includes a glossary of Jewish terms. 9.5x10.5" format. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
This handsomely produced volume by Gruber, who teaches in Judaic studies at Syracuse University and has a Ph.D. in architectural history, focuses on the architectural achievements represented by 20th-century American synagogues. Organized chronologically, the book surveys 35 synagogues designed by both leading European architects (e.g., Pietro Belluschi, Eric Mendelsohn, and Walter Gropius) and distinguished American architects (e.g., Frank Lloyd Wright, Percival Goodman, and Philip Johnson). Bold and impressive structures such as the Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles or New York City's landmark Congregation Emanu-El were ambitious projects, undertaken by congregations seeking to make a place for themselves in major cities. This outstanding collection also features works by lesser-known but no less inventive architects who demonstrate the range of 20th-century American synagogue architectural style. Styles as varied as classical, Byzantine, expressionist, minimalist, and postmodern forms are part of the diversity of architectural achievements portrayed here. Beyond its generous and beautiful building photographs by noted architectural photographer Rocheleau, this volume provides details about furnishings, decorations, glass, and artwork. A first of its kind, this book is a necessary addition to library architectural collections and Judaic studies collections. Highly recommended.-Herbert E. Shapiro, Empire State Coll. of SUNY, Rochester Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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