The Library of Congress – The Art & Architecture of the Thomas Jefferson Building: The Art and Architecture of the Thomas Jefferson Building - Hardcover

Cole, John Y.; Reed, Henry Hope

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0393045633 ISBN 13: 9780393045635

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 1998

Synopsis

Arguably the most beautifully decorated building in the United States, the Library of Congress building (recently renamed the Jefferson Building) is celebrating its one hundredth anniversary this year after an eighty million dollar restoration that returned it to its original state. Designed by John L. Smithmeyer and completed in 1897 at a cost of under seven million dollars, the building is enhanced by the art of over forty sculptors and painters whose ranks include such notables as Herbert Adams, Kenyon Cox, Edward Clark Potter, Louis Saint-Gaudens, and John Quincy Adams Ward. The planning and construction are detailed in John Y. Cole's essay, followed by discussions by Henry Hope Reed, Richard Murray, and Thomas P. Somma of the decorations, paintings, and sculptures. The volume concludes with a study of the restoration by Barbara Wolanin, a chronology, a glossary of architectural and decorative terms, and a biographical dictionary of all the artists, architects, and designers who worked on the building. Throughout, noted photographer Anne Day's color images enhance this splendid book.

About this title

About the Authors

John Y. Cole is a librarian, historian, and director of The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.


Henry Hope Reed is founder and president of Classical America and is the author of numerous books, including The Golden City and The New York Public Library. He lives in New York City.

From the Back Cover

Arguably the most beautifully decorated building in the United States, the Library of Congress building (now known as the Jefferson Building) reached its 100th anniversary in 1997 after an eighty million dollar restoration that returned it to its original state. At the turn of the century, Herbert Small, a newspaperman, wrote a guide to the building and its decoration. His text, edited by Henry Hope Reed, is reproduced here. It is preceded by introductory essays by historian and Librarian of Congress Emeritus Daniel J. Boorstin and noted writer Brendan Gill. The planning and construction of the building are detailed in John Y. Cole's essay, followed by an essay on the building as a work of art by Pierce Rice, and discussions of the decorations, paintings, and sculptures by Henry Hope Reed, Richard Murray, and Thomas P. Somma. The volume concludes with a photo essay on the restoration by Barbara Wolanin; a color "schema" of the building; a glossary of architectural and decorative terms; and a biographical dictionary of all the artists, architects, and designers who worked on the building. Throughout, noted photographer Anne Day's color images enhance this splendid book.

Edition details

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0393045633
• ISBN 13: 9780393045635
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 320