The warmth and elegance of Bernard Maybeck's work has influenced countless American architects for more than four generations. His buildings include northern California landmarks such as the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco and the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Berkely, both featured in great detail here.

Maybeck's architecture possesses the timeless beauty that distinguishes all great art. His work achieved a delicate and pleasing balance between historicism and modernity. No two of his buildings are much alike, yet they all manifest the craftsmanship and environmental sensitivity that were his hallmark. An emphasis on an open use of natural materials honestly stated marks him as a pioneer in what is known today as sustainable architecture, or "green" design.

This comprehensive book features a foreword by Maybeck's granddaughter, Cherry Maybeck Nittler, and also incorporates excerpts from an only recently discovered cache of family letters provided by Cherry that offer rare insights into the life and personality of this hugely influential architect of elegance. It contains 220 new color photographs of Maybeck's work and 70 archival photographs and drawings, many from Maybeck's family colleciton that have never been seen before in print.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 236) and index.