Gregory Ain: The Modern Home as Social Commentary
by Anthony Denzer
Reviewed by Julie D. Taylor
Past SAH/SCC President Tony Denzer has produced his magnum opus on Gregory Ain, whose Avenel Homes were the subject of a delightful tour some years back. Denzer puts Ain in context of Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler, then shows his departure toward a decidedly political outlook to Modern architecture. Chronicling Ain's work in prefabricationfor which he won a Guggenheim Fellowshipthe book continues through the architect's work with Charles and Ray Eames, and then back into his own practice in time for the post-war building boom. Ain's work for both common and "uncommon" people, as he noted them, is beautifully illustrated in construction and project photographs, drawings, collateral, and archival photos of Ain and his many collaborators and colleagues. Denzer, who is presently a professor at the University of Wyoming, ends with an assessment of Ain's prescient legacy. Those of us who know Tony's deliberate dedication will not be surprised by the depth of knowledge and sentiment in this book. Noted architectural historian Thomas S. Hines, who fashions the introduction, states: "In Denzer's skillful hands, Gregory Ain finally has gotten his due." Well done, Tony!
Rizzoli International Publications; hardcover; 256 pages; $60.
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Gregory Ain: The Modern Home as Social Commentary by Tony Denzer
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