In the Cause of Architecture

Taliesin Fellowship West *, 1953. Softcover. vg. 8vo. 8pp. Original wrappers protected by modern mylar. Fascinating essay by Lloyd Wright criticizing the "international (architectural) style." "The International Style is neither international nor a style. Internationalism is Totalitarianism. All ISMS are merely derivative. An ISM is only a notion. At most the notion becomes a fashion and a Fashion is - always - some passing show of imitation: probably an imitation by a bad imitator. In any international "style," therefore, we would have more invasion than invention. ..Why do I distrust and defy internationalism as I do communism? Because both must do this very leveling in the name of civilization whether willing it so or not. Communism (factual religion of collectivism) once established, the sun of creation goes down. Life does agree to be embalmed alive. I see collectivism in all forms - especially in architecture - already becoming too expedient in our midst. Drift toward all forms of standardization away from quality toward quantity can only eventually mean the success of communist or totalitarian. All collectivism such as an international style tends to diminish the human soul because it relieves the individual of a developed conscience therefore takes from him the reward of being true to himself as himself." Although Lloyd-Wright's essay is solely written on behalf of "the cause of architecture," one can sense the anti-Communist feeling in America at the height of "McCarthyism." Some of the Taliesin papers of the early 1950's stated that they were "A nonpolitical voice from our Democratic minority." Very minor creasing and age toning on wraps. Very good condition. Scarce. * In 1932, Frank and Olgivanna Lloyd Wright founded the Taliesin Fellowship, a community that provided architectural training with a "learn by doing" approach that stressed appreciation of all kinds of arts. Today the community is known as the "Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture," whose members and teachers are still referred to as the Taliesin Fellowship.