Unity Temple: Frank Lloyd Wright and Architecture for Liberal Religion

The first in-depth study of one of the seminal works of America's most renowned twentieth-century architect, first published in 1996, is now available in paperback. In this study, Joseph Siry examines the building in the light of Wright's earlier religious architecture, his methods of design, and his innovative construction techniques, particularly the use of reinforced concrete which was here exploited and expressively deployed for the first time. He also sets Unity Temple against the tradition of the liberal Unitarian and Universalist religious culture, the institutional history of the affluent Oak Park congregation that commissioned the building, as well as the social context in which structure was conceived and built. Throughout, Unity Temple is treated as a work of art that embodies both Wright's theory of architecture and his liberal religious ideals.

Table of Contents:
1. Religious and institutional architecture of the Lloyd Jones family; 2. Unity Church in Oak Park to 1905; 3. Wright's design for Unity Temple; 4. Construction of Unity Temple; 5. Religious and architectural interpretations of Unity Temple; Conclusion: Unity Temple and later modern architecture.

Review :
"Joseph Siry thoroughly explores the many vectors--social, religious, architectural--that converged in Unity Temple, including Wright's far-flung design sources; contemporary reactions to the structure; and its influence upon subsequent architecture. The result is an amply documented, profusely illustrated, and generally well-written and accessible study that should be of interest across a wide disciplinary range." Choice "...Joseph M. Siry has written a detailed, and highly focused monograph on the building addressed-almost exclusively-to a scholarly audience...Siry does a masterful job in exploring the complexities of the commission, and certainly leaves no doubt that many intellectual and social forces were in the air..." David M. Sokol, Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians "Architectural historian Joseph M. Siry has produced an impressive case study of Frank Llyod Wright's Unity Temple...excellent analysis of Unity Temple as a monumental work by Frank Llyod Wright." Marguerite Carnell Rodney, American Studies International "...this detailed, readable, and richly illustrated volume is an important and valuable addition to literature on church architecture. It is also a wonderful resource on Wright the man and the architect, different from usual run of the mill resources..." John Bolt, Calvin Theological Journal "This is the first comprehensive examination of one of Wright's greatest architectural works. It is splendidly written and richly illustrated..." Religion and the Arts