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The Autobiography of an Idea

The Autobiography of an Idea

By Sullivan, Louis H.

Published by Elefante

English 2025 ISBN 7502319077696
eBook

About this book

The Autobiography of an Idea is Louis H. Sullivan's deeply personal and philosophical account of how one man's creative vision shaped modern architecture. Rather than a chronological list of projects, Sullivan writes in a reflective, almost meditative style, tracing the birth and growth of his guiding "Idea." He recounts his childhood in Boston, early studies in engineering and drawing, and formative years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. These experiences awakened his belief that buildings should grow naturally from their purpose and environment, like living organisms. Sullivan narrates his move to Chicago during its explosive rebuilding after the Great Fire, where he joined forces with Dankmar Adler to create innovative steel-frame skyscrapers. Yet the book focuses less on technical details and more on the struggle to defend originality against imitation and academic formalism. Through essays and personal reflections, Sullivan explains his famous principle "form follows function" and warns of the dangers of lifeless historical revival styles. Part memoir, part manifesto, the work captures a restless mind determined to free American architecture from European tradition and create a style honest to its time and place. It remains a landmark text for anyone interested in creativity, design, and the spirit behind great architecture.

Availability

The Autobiography of an Idea is available as eBook at 9 online bookshops. Bookshops carrying it include Bajalibros Argentina, Bajalibros Latam, Bookshop Uruguay.

Language
English
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In what formats is The Autobiography of an Idea available?
The Autobiography of an Idea is available as eBook at 9 online bookshops.
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You can buy The Autobiography of an Idea at Bajalibros Argentina, Bajalibros Latam, Bookshop Uruguay. Compare every option in the list on this page.

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