[ARCHITECTURE; DESIGN] THE SIMPLE HOME

Charles Keeler

San Francisco: Smith Elder and Company, [1904].

Hard Cover. First Edition. First edition of Keeler’s important book which was a kind of manifesto for the view that houses should be designed which were integrated with nature and “infused with the art spirit.” This is considered his most significant book (see Ed Henry; Shelly Ridout and Katie Waddell. Berkeley Bohemia: Artists and Visionaries of the Early Twentieth Century; 2008). ~~Charles Keeler moved to San Francisco in 1891 as a young man, and shortly after became director of the Natural History Museum. Having met architect Bernard Maybeck on the commuter ferry, they became friends and Maybeck agreed to design a home for Keeler in the Berkeley Hills. It was a momentous occasion -- the first of a number of Bay Area homes designed to blend in with the natural setting. This was new style of residence and this book became its manifesto. Keeler’s most important book [see Herny, Berkeley Bohemia]. In the publisher’s tan cloth with paper label. Typography by John Henry Nash, and printed at the Tomoye Press. Previous owner name on the pastedown, and a namestamp on the endpaper.

Near Fine binding.
Item #291591

Price: $350.00