Addison Mizner

Before beginning 'Addison Mizner' I was hoping for a book full of images of Palm Beach’s Ocean Boulevard homes but instead found myself engrossed in the story of the illustrious Minzer family, which laid the foundation for the renaissance man Addison would become. This biography is exhaustively researched, at times reading . like a thesis. I really enjoyed learning about Mizner's nomadic and eclectic upbringing and early adult wanderings, which greatly influenced his buildings. I also enjoyed the parts of the book which dealt with the client design process and Mizner's failed attempts at developing Boca Raton. This is a must-read for anyone with an interest in creative individuals who continue to have an impact long after their deaths, or for fans of South Florida architecture or history. This book will make the reader want to visit Palm Beach to see Mizner's architectural beauties in person..

Stephen Perkins and James Caughman have written a remarkable book that you will not be able to put down. This book takes you step by step into the works and ideas of Addison Mizner the great luxury home builder. From the turn of the Century to almost the middle of the 20th century Mizner created works that rivaled the renaissance princes in a style that brought Spanish architectural history into sharp focus in all its development. His buildings were the work of a man of great passion and vision, with an exactness to detail in reproducing and honouring the past. In doing so Mizner created something that evokes beauty and the art of living in the United States, principally Florida. I felt as though I shouldn't enjoy this book as it seems to have all the details without exception, but you can't help getting lost in the life of Mizner and his work that was his life.

Excellent pictures with good captions. A wide range of buildings are represented. It should be interesting to anyone interested in architecture.