PDF Simon Gray: Plays 1: Butley; Wise Child; Dutch Uncle; Spoiled; Sleeping Dog by Simon Gray in Arts-Photography

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Great Book on the SubjectBy JLBRWhile I will not go in depth about this volume for lack of time; I can say that this is a great book for anybody interested in the fascinating relationship that Mexico has had with Functionalist and Modernist architecture throughout the 20th century; and which continues today. Some of the essays are invaluable; such as Burians take on OGorman and his dichotomies and apparent contradictions; which lay the ground for understanding a lot of the anxieties at the start of the Modern architectural movement in Mexico. The interview with Alberto Pérez-Gómez is a fascinating read and a unique document since that great theoretician; while being Mexican; has never dedicated much of his work to expressing his thoughts on Mexican architecture. Some of the other essays are very valuable as well; while one or two dwindled in their quality; as another reviewer stated; Kalachs essay on Ciudad Universitarias Stadium is weak; but then again; nobody has ever credited Kalach for being a great writer. All in all; do acquire this book if you are interested in the subject.13 of 14 people found the following review helpful. A mixed bag of richesBy A CustomerI am a dutch architect that has been living in Mexico for over thirty years; and I believe that this is probably the best book on modern mexican architecture that I have read. Of course not all the essays have the same quality. The best is the Mendez Vigata essay which I would rank as essential reading for anyone interested on mexican public architecture or to anyone interested in the relationship between architecture and politics. The Perez Gomez interview; the Arredondo; Curtis; Mereles; Burians OGorman essay(there is not much information about that great mexican painter and architect elsewhere); and the Mijares (a personal view of Obregons architecture from one of the greatest mexican architects) are very good. The essay on Juan Segura written by Antonio Toca; who is one of the most important architecture historians in Mexico; is dissapointing. Probably the worst is the Kalach essay on the Ciudad Universitaria Stadium; this was a real dissapointment since Kalach is one the one of the most interesting young architects in Mexico. So; if really have an interest in mexican architecture dont let the couple of mediocre articles included prevent you from enjoying this otherwise rare and wonderful book.3 of 13 people found the following review helpful. a mediocre bookBy A CustomerWhile an important and little written about topic; this book fails to deliver the valuable information in a readable manner. The language is dull and boring; and the writing is dry. It is very difficult to sit with it for an extended period of time. While the author attempts to address critical issues in Mexican architecture he over complicates the relevant information with the rhetoric.The noble attempt to provide dialogue with influencial authorities on the subject by way of interviews seemed tainted. This was because his questions were not open ended and were often worded in a leading manner. It was as if the author was trying to draw out the response he desired from the subject.While Burians writing was lacking; some of the articles written by others contained in the book were more appealing.