New Book Receives Praise and Is Selling Well

Drop-Dead Gorgeous; Splendid; Now I must go to Pittsburgh!

More than 950 copies of Pittsburgh Architecture in the Twentieth Century: Notable Modern Buildings and Their Architects, by Albert M. Tannler, have been distributed since the book’s release on December 19, 2013. That total includes the donation of more than 300 books to public and school libraries in the Pittsburgh area and to architects, scholars, curators, building owners, nonprofit organizations, and libraries throughout the U.S. and in Great Britain.

The 294-page book (with more than 300 photos) can be purchased ($18.95) online at PHLF (a 10% discount is refunded to PHLF members) and at Amazon, or at Welcome Pittsburgh (Fifth Avenue Place Arcade Shops), Heinz History Center Museum Shop, Carnegie Museum of Art Store, Pitt’s University Store on Fifth (and at Heinz Memorial Chapel), Accentricity (Shops at Station Square), and the Hofbrauhaus Gift Shop at South Side Works.

Below are comments about Mr. Tannler’s book, which is the first guidebook devoted solely to twentieth-century architecture in the Pittsburgh region.

Comments on Pittsburgh Architecture in the Twentieth Century

“It is really splendid, in particular the placing of ‘Modern’ and ‘Modernism’ in the Pittsburgh context and your admirably inclusive view of the city’s architecture. . . . I do hope the book will be read by a great many people. . . .” ––Peter Cormack, Arts and Crafts historian and Member of the Order of the British Empire

“I have been devouring it. It is beautifully produced and illustrated, and packed with the most fascinating information. I am astonished by the breadth of the subject, and very impressed both by the quality of the buildings and your masterly coverage of them. Of course, I read the chapter on American Gothic first, but it is all so interesting, and says so much in such an enviably concise way––many congratulations. Now I must go to Pittsburgh.” ––Michael Hall, British author/editor; architectural historian

“I just opened your Pittsburgh architecture book––it’s drop-dead gorgeous! We greatly appreciate your gift to our collections. Beyond your research time you made a major commitment to beautiful photography and printing. . . .” ––Mary K. Woolever, Art and Architecture Archivist, Ryerson & Burnham Libraries,  Art Institute of Chicago

“This is a fine survey of Pittsburgh architecture and its history. . . . It is fun to see the work of our firm included amongst the architectural titans!”––Gary K. Carlough, AIA, Principal, GBBN Architects, Inc./EDGE studio

“. . . I didn’t expect something so attractive, so clearly written, with (very clever) some then-and-now photographs to arouse the passion of preservationists. . . . Architecture lovers now have an excellent new book to read.”––Carol H. Krinsky, Professor of Art History, New York University

“I want to thank you most sincerely for sending along a copy of your beautiful new book. . . . Your introduction, covering the definitions of modernism over time was of immediate interest. . . Your latest scholarly contribution will be a welcome and useful guide. . . .” ––Edward R. Bosley, James N. Gamble Director, The Gamble House, Pasadena, California

“I have been really enjoying reading the latest Pittsburgh guidebook. . . . It is interesting to read about residential architecture mixed in with industrial and corporate structures. Seeing photographs of interiors and reading the text makes me feel like I am being let in on the secrets of Pittsburgh.” ––Sara McGuire, PHLF member and author of Vandergrift: Then and Now (Arcadia, 2009)

“Thank you so much for sending me a copy of Pittsburgh Architecture in the Twentieth Century. . . .  I have especially enjoyed the chapter and explanation of Modern Architecture. I will share this information with my architectural docents who give tours of the Caltech campus.” ––Romy Wyllie, author of Bertram Goodhue: His Life and Residential Architecture  (W. W. Norton, 2007)

“Thank you for the wonderful new book by A. Tannler. . . . We’re thankful for the donation and are pleased to say it has already been checked out! ––Sarantos Patrinos, South Fayette Township Public Library

“Enjoyed reading the history behind so many buildings in Pittsburgh that I know and have visited and worked in. Good job.” ––Amazon customer