Frank Lloyd Wright on "Rampant" Hitlerism and Stalinism

September 14, 1951

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Frank Lloyd Wright on "Rampant" Hitlerism and Stalinism
Typed Letter Signed
1 page | SMC 725

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      Background

      Wright ostensibly responds to Mumford’s book, The Conduct of Life, recently sent to him – and refers, obliquely, to Mumford’s criticism of the United Nations Headquarters in New York

      Yes, Lewis, better than excellent criticism! If only the significance of Architecture could be read by "supposedly living people" they would see Hitlerism, Stalinism rampant in that costly crate in which to ship Freedom to its doom: hate required, fear taught, denunciation of neighbors a public virtue, etc., etc.

      Wright and Mumford fell out in the 40s, over Wright’s outspoken isolationism and, in World War II, pacifism. This letter suggests reconciliation.
      Typed Letter Signed, with autograph corrections and postscript, 1 page, oblong quarto, on Wright’s stylized “Taliesin” stationery, Taliesin, September 14, 1951. To Lewis Mumford.
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      Yes, Lewis, better than excellent criticism! If only the significance of Architecture could be read by "supposedly living people" they would see Hitlerism, Stalinism rampant in that costly crate in which to ship Freedom to its doom: hate required, fear taught, denunciation of neighbors a public virtue, etc., etc.

      Appreciation and affection,

      FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

      cc. cerf          When do we see you all here?

      September 14th, 1951

      TALIESIN