Long Beach Architecture: The Unexpected Metropolis

This work provides a thorough look at the architecture of Long Beach's past, including many sites that no longer exist. It's an historical yet fresh perspective on a city I've visited several times and on a city I now see in a completely different way. Although I don't live in Long Beach I would think that this would be especially facinating for anybody who does.

A very long over due look at Long Beach. My only complaint is that the address is not listed for buildings no longer there- just "demolished". For those of us who were not around when some of the buildings were, it would be nice to have the former address to to see what has taken the former buildings place. Other than that a great book.

And the way it's shown and told by the authors keeps all senses open and curious. The only thing I can't decide is if it's a coffee table book, a book to read and shelve or a book to explore with. Whichever way, it's full of history, current and future information regarding the LBC and its strong stance as Los Angeles' right hand wo(man). Visually, the homes, businesses, halls, bridges, centers, theaters, lofts, apartments and high rises chosen are the book's draw. Stunning architechture from all sorts of times. Each place chosen gets a spread. Textually, probably one of the strongest points made in the book (from my slant, at least) is the city's ability to survive and prosper. Without this, forward motion seems like it would have been limited to that of a typical metroville. The book points to all sorts of drama the city went through and is still playing with. From it's hay-day to its current hardcore stance, I learned about its cash and about why its diversity is. I'm not a writer but it seems written very well and flows nicely. They even got some props from some big architect heads in the beginning pages. And talk about drama, the authors even school the city (and give it love, too!) regarding a number of directions that it has taken architecturally in recent years. "All-deco" got heckled. Good, because I live (t)here and we need more chaos. More modernity. More of everything. Not just one style. The authors will have had a hand on this steering wheel if we see change in the city's direction over the coming years. Aside from its well placed critical stance is a writen attitude of optimisim and growth. A book supporting a city whose ability will soon shine. A little peek into the past allowing us as readers a glimps of the obvious future. A new west coast giant. There are tons of photos and the text on each page per photo is a quick read. Lots of historical imagery in the beginning that keep a person turning pages. There's this one shot of a loft in the Walker Building that's amazing!!! bah ha! I suppose the two women who wrote this thick book are vacationing somewhere in Europe sipping chi tea, cause they must have sold a grip. At least in Strong Beach. But I have one question: Where is Snoop's crib?