Secrest, Meryle. Frank Lloyd Wright: A Biography.

Title: Frank Lloyd Wright: A Biography

Author: Meryle Secrest

Publication Date: 1998

Number of Pages: 652

Genre: Nonfiction/Biography

Geographical Setting: Europe, North America, Asia

Time Period: 1869-1959, roughly

Plot Summary: This biography of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the world's most most gifted architects is compellingly written by Meryle Secrest. Wright's ancestors are explored, along with their thoughts on life, religion, and occupation, giving great comprehension to the personal devotion and calling he felt for the architectural world. Exploring his many finanical difficulties and relationship troubles, Secrest invites readers to see Wright as en entire person, and not merely through the lens of talented architect or romantic struggler. Secrest discusses the many houses built by FLlW, the history and method that went into the construction of each, and also the unique combination that became the Taliesin Fellowship. Secret has a delightful way of telling the story of Frank Lloyd Wright -in a way that makes it impossible to put down the story of this one man and his impact on American architecture.

Similar Works (nonfiction): Friedland, Roger - The Fellowship: The Untold Story of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin Fellowship (an insider look at Wright's group of apprenticed architects and their time at Taliesin); Amin, Karmal - Reflections from the Shining Brow: My Years With Frank Lloyd Wright and Olgivanna Lazovich (a personal story of a young Taliesin apprentice, highlighting the life and mannerisms of Wright's third wife); Tafel, Edgar - Years with Frank Lloyd Wright: Apprentice to Genius (yet another look at an apprentice's experience working with Frank Lloyd Wright).

Horan, Nancy. Loving Frank

Title: Loving Frank
Author: Nancy Horan
Publication Date: 2007
Number of Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Fiction/Best Seller
Geographical Setting: Oak Park, IL; Europe; Japan
Time Period: early 1900s

Plot Summary: The story of Mamah Borthwick Cheney and Frank Lloyd Wright is beautifully described in this title by Nancy Horan. From the beginning of their affair in 1904 until 1914, this is Mamah’s story of loving a man who – like herself – was married, talented, and extraordinarily complex. The ups and downs, moments of celebration and exhilaration, as well as tragedy and heart-shattering pain are all covered in this historical novel. Elements of Wright’s architectural plans, as well as insight into his personal behaviors and downfalls are particularly fascinating. Horan has combined the facts that were available regarding the Borthwick/Wright love story with probable dialogue, creating a story that is gripping in its authenticity.

Similar Authors and Works (Fiction): Hambly, Barbara – The Emancipator’s Wife (famous misunderstood woman – Mary Todd Lincoln and her issues within society’s constraints, tragedy); Morgan, Jude – Passion (story told by the main women in the lives of Keats, Shelley, and Lord Byron); Mills, Mark – Amagansett (tragic death of female lover, candid look at society in the 1940s).

Similar Authors and Works (Nonfiction): Drennan, William – Death in a Prairie House: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin Murders (closer look at the murder of Mamah Borthwick and her two children); Wright, Frank Lloyd – Frank Lloyd Wright: An Autobiography (his life from his own perspective, further reading regarding the women in his life); Forden, Sara G. – The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed (famous family, real-life tragic murder, establishment of current trends – albeit in fashion, not architecture).