An Autobiography by Frank Lloyd Wright, Signed and Inscribed by Frank and Olgivanna, Later English Edition, 1938

Wright, Frank Lloyd. Frank Lloyd Wright: Autobiography. London: Longmans, Green and Company, 1938. Later English edition, presentation copy. Inscribed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his wife Olgivanna on half-title page. In the original publisher’s brown cloth boards, stamped in red and black. With a new archival ¼ leather and cloth clamshell. 

This is a stunning signed and inscribed English printing of Frank Lloyd Wright: Autobiography. The book was printed by Longsmans, Green and Company, in London in 1938. This illustrated book is presented in the publisher’s original full brown cloth boards, with front and spine stamped in red and black and rear board stamped in black. It is presented with a new archival ¼ leather and cloth clamshell case. 

The original inscriptions are written in ink on the half title page, reading: “To Otto Mallery from a new friend Frank Lloyd Wright + not forgetting his ‘Malleries’ (they are such a nice lot-)” in black fountain ink and “And from me in memory of our beautiful incomparable musical [?] may we have many more of them Olgivanna” in blue ink. The recipient, Otto Mallery (1881-1956), was an economist, architect, and a pioneer in the international recreation movement. Mallery urged local politicians, especially in his adopted home of Philadelphia, to make city planning including more playgrounds and green spaces.

During his 70-year career, American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) championed a personal belief that architecture should address the physical and social needs of the inhabitant, while remaining in harmony with nature. While most famously known for his edifices like Falling Water and the Guggenheim Museum, his career ranged from private houses to community centers, public housing projects, office buildings, and churches, and defined modern American architecture. His mastery of space, form, and human-centered design revolutionized the field of architecture and earned him a place among the greatest thinkers and artists of the 20th century. 

In a volume that continues to resonate more than seventy years after its initial publication, Frank Lloyd Wright: An Autobiography contains the master architect's own account of his work, his philosophy, and his personal life, written with his signature wit. In March 1932, the first edition of the Autobiography was published, as only “three books in one volume.” It was reprinted in February of 1933. This printing is from 1938. The book was later republished in 1945, partially re-written with new material added. The 1945 edition was divided into five sections devoted to family, fellowship, work, freedom, and form. 

Frank Lloyd Wright: An Autobiography became a form of advertising, leading many readers to seek out the master architect to learn from him. Thirty apprentices came to live and learn at Taliesin, Wright's Wisconsin home studio and school, under the master's tutelage. By 1938, Taliesin West, in Arizona, was the winter location for Wright's school.

CONDITION:

Good condition overall. 8vo. Publisher’s original full brown cloth boards. Front board and spine stamped in red, rear board stamped in black. Cloth binding is toned, lightly soiled. The endleaves and text occasionally have spots and toning. Signed and inscribed by Wright on the half title page, in black fountain ink. Inscription is slightly cramped. Additional signature and inscription by Olgivanna just below Frank’s, in blue ink. Penciled ownership signature and date 1938 with several notes on flyleaf.  Illustrated with black and white photos. Newspaper clipping  “Williamsburg as a Museum Piece” affixed at back. Boards wrapped in new archival mylar. 

Presented with a new ¼ black leather and orange cloth clamshell, with raised bands, gilt tooling, and gilt titles to the spine, a black embossed facsimile signature and an inlay of Wright on the front.

Book Dimensions:  9 1/8"H x 7 1/4"W x 1"D. Clamshell Dimensions: 10 1/4"H x 8 1/2"W x 1 3/4"D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.