128
pages, Arcadia Publishing, ISBN-13: 978-0738532288
Of
the many cities embellished architecturally during the period between the World
Wars of the 20th Century, Detroit surely had an athletic spurt of
growth, with many examples of the architecture now known as Art Deco decorating
its downtown landscape. Now, the Arcadia series Images of America has put together a volume of views of these many
fine buildings into one book at a reasonable price; in fact, this is the only
volume specifically concerning Detroit Deco that I’m aware of. As such, it’s a
valuable addition to the collection of anyone interested in American
architecture, specifically the Art Deco period, appreciation of which has risen
considerably, even during the past couple of decades. Here are many views of
Detroit buildings (some of which no longer exist) making the Arcadia contribution
even more valuable for showing us a world of urban life no longer visible. Art Deco
came and went between two violent world upheavals, then was washed under the
sea of Modernism in post-war perceptions, when decoration of any kind was
abandoned altogether. A valuable, if sad, addition to our appreciation of a
now-fallen city.
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