Synopses & Reviews
This elegantly written appreciation of the Empire State Building opens up the buildings richness and importance as an icon of America. The book leads us through the facts surrounding the skyscrapers conception and construction, then enters into a provocative theoretical discussion of its function as an icon, its representation in pictures, literature, and film, and the implications of its iconic status as New Yorks most important architectural monument to ambition and optimism.
The Empire State Building literally cannot be seen in its totality, from any perspective. And paradoxically, this building of unmistakable solidity has been made invisible by familiarity and reproduction through imagery. Mark Kingwell encourages us to look beneath the strong physical presence of the building, to become aware of its evolving layers of meaning, and to see how the building lives within a unique imaginative space in the landscape of the American consciousness. He offers new ways of understanding the Empire State Building in all its complexity and surprising insights into its special role as an American icon.
Review
"
Nearest Thing to Heaven offers a startling, fresh perspective on the nature of icons as mythic and invisible at the same time. Kingwell has written a thinking person's travel guide to New York and its architecture."—Allan Hepburn, McGill University
Review
"Manfredo Tafuri referred to the American skyscraper as a “disenchanted mountain,” and Mark Kingwells cross-disciplinary approach takes us up the Empire States slopes by new and revealing routes indeed. Kingwell's gift is the breadth of his insight, from the savvy eye of the popular culture critic to the rigorous reflections of the philosopher."—Graham Owen, Tulane School of Architecture
Review
"Circling around the Empire State Building, moving between architecture and philosophy, film and politics, this engaging study should make us all more thoughtful about troubled dreams of Empire, state, and building."—Karsten Harries
About the Author
Mark Kingwell is professor of philosophy, University of Toronto, a contributing editor of
Harper’s Magazine, and the author of eight books. He teaches and writes frequently about design and architecture and has lectured to academic and popular audiences throughout the world.
CITATION: "Nearest Thing to Heaven offers a startling, fresh perspective on the nature of icons as mythic and invisible at the same time. Kingwell has written a thinking person's travel guide to New York and its architecture."-Allan Hepburn, McGill University
(Allan Hepburn)
CITATION: "Manfredo Tafuri referred to the American skyscraper as a "disenchanted mountain," and Mark Kingwell's cross-disciplinary approach takes us up the Empire State's slopes by new and revealing routes indeed. Kingwell's gift is the breadth of his insight, from the savvy eye of the popular culture critic to the rigorous reflections of the philosopher."-Graham Owen, Tulane School of Architecture
(Graham Owen)
CITATION: "Circling around the Empire State Building, moving between architecture and philosophy, film and politics, this engaging study should make us all more thoughtful about troubled dreams of Empire, state, and building."-Karsten Harries
(Karsten Harries)