In spring 1914; a new ballpark opened in Chicago. Hastily constructed after epic political maneuvering around Chicago’s and organized baseball’s hierarchies; the new Weeghman Park (named after its builder; fast-food magnate Charley Weeghman) was home to the Federal League’s Chicago Whales. The park would soon be known as Wrigley Field; one of the most emblematic and controversial baseball stadiums in America.In Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines; Stuart Shea provides a detailed and fascinating chronicle of this living historic landmark. The colorful history revealed in Wrigley Field shows how the stadium has evolved through the years to meet the shifting priorities of its owners and changing demands of its fans. While Wrigley Field today seems irreplaceable; we learn that from game one it has been the subject of endless debates over its future; its design; and its place in the neighborhood it calls home. To some; it is a hallowed piece of baseball history; to others; an icon of mismanagement and ineptitude. Shea deftly navigates the highs and lows; breaking through myths and rumors. And with another transformation imminent; he brings readers up to date on negotiations; giving much-needed historical context to the maneuvering.Wrigley Field is packed with facts; stories; and surprises that will captivate even the most fair-weather fan. From dollar signs (the Ricketts family paid $900 million for the team and stadium in 2009); to exploding hot dog carts (the Cubs lost that game 6–5); to the name of Billy Sianis’s curse-inducing goat (Sonovia); Shea uncovers the heart of the stadium’s history. As the park celebrates its centennial; Wrigley Field continues to prove that its colorful and dramatic history is more interesting than any of its mythology.
#3909451 in eBooks 2007-04-11 2007-04-11File Name: B00IC7VZK2
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Seamy Side of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin FellowshipBy Drew ShawIts said that creative geniuses are seldom the easiest people to get along with. Frank Lloyd Wright was an archetype of that. This book details the history of the Taliesin Fellowship; the "apprentices" who flocked to Wrights studio to learn at the elbow of the Master but who largely supplied an unpaid workforce for Wrights schemes. Friedland makes a good argument that without the work of a handful of talented apprentices; such Wright masterpieces as Fallingwater; the Price headquarters; and the Guggenheim Museum; may never have been realized. But he also makes the point that the bulk of Fellowship members never amounted to much as architects; content to mimic Wrights buildings rather than apply his principles to their own designs. Underlying this is the tragic story of Wrights daughter; who was allowed to grow as a completely free spirit into a life marked by divorce; bipolarity; and eventual estrangement from the Wright group at assisted care facilities in California. Proof that creativity is often an ugly process and an important book for Wright aficionados.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. mystery unveiled and sustainedBy DiamondsFirst of all; this book had me reading like only few books can; and Im not a very big reader. In fact; anything over 1 inch in thickness I usually dont attempt; knowing I wont make it through. There are exceptions; and this is one. It ranks at the top in grabbing factor; i.e. similar to Simon Schamas books on history; it wont let you go; and keeps the suspense going; picking up and keeping rythm.Secondly; Im very impressed with authors thorough research and attempt at making it available to us.Now; after having said this; Im not sure if reading of the book will leave you with less questions; as it certainly didnt in my case; but Im not sure how far that is related to the authors or the quality of the book itself; but rather the subject(s); i.e. why did it attract as many students as it did; prepared to pay a huge sum of money ? It certainly describes very well why many left; and its easy to understand and sympathize with them. In the epilogue the authors compare the output in terms of quality with institutions like MIT where the famous Germans taught (the enemies according to Wright); and the Fellowship falls behind; according to them. Apart from missing some names of other famous Architects who came thru there (the Fellowship); and are still making their mark in the Architectural community; Im wondering if fame can be a gage; or the only one (or whether there are more). Anyway; it seems were looking at an enigma; while reading; and although we read the intimate stories; the behind the scenes; were not getting much closer to understanding it.There are just so many paradoxes; so many bizarre facts that would make you want to turn around and get out asap; that you wonder; is it charisma ? And not only Frank; but Olgivanna as well ? Maybe if theres something missing; its the more personal motivating stories (assuming there must be).1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Ceasar AugustisBy Bighat57Having read two biographies of FLW over the years I was left with an incomplete description of life as an apprentice under his wing; having to read between the lines of the strange events mentioned in the text. This book covers those topics with skill. No study of Wright; his work; and legacy would be complete without it. Theres no sugarcoating this guys reputation by seeing only what is architecturally beautiful. He was also a wrecking ball to many around him.
