BOLDLY SIGNED BY FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT IN YEAR OF PUBLICATION

WRIGHT, Frank Lloyd. Genius and the Mobocracy. New York: Duell, Sloan and Pearce, (1949). Quarto, original white cloth, original dust jacket. $4900.

First edition, by the most important architect of the 20th century, boldly signed, “Frank Lloyd Wright, June 8 /49,” Wright's 82nd birthday.

Part autobiography, part declaration of principles, Genius and the Mobocracy presents Wright's views on the evolution of modern architecture. It should not, as it had for too many years, merely copy or imitate existing forms; rather, he insists, "we must conceive and integrate: begin again at the beginning to build the right kind of building in the right way in the right place for the right kind of people." Into this discussion Wright injects his own experiences as an apprentice with Louis Sullivan, "our great native genius." Illustrated with 39 previously unpublished drawings by Sullivan. Sweeney 750.

Offsetting to text leaves (where something had been laid in, cloth a bit toned as often; dust jacket near-fine with one mark to rear panel. An excellent copy.