A solid and fascinating portrait of the conceptual richness of mid-century modern design. For any contemporary designer who aspires to practice at a similarly high register, it is an inspirational and vivid guide. * Journal of Design History * A timely and useful work that illuminates the interior designs of some important American designers through discussion and evaluation of the inspirations and theories they drew upon. * The Design Journal * Recommended book. * CHOICE * Mid-Century Modern Interiors takes the discipline of interior design history into a new era. From a search for Americanness, to a concern with health, to a desire to engage with a range of philosophical and intellectual ideas, Havenhand shows how the work of these reflective designers contained a depth that is often missing today. -- Penny Sparke, Professor of Design History * Kingston University * In her useful and accessible new book, Lucinda Havenhand re-reads period design discourse to illuminate the heterogeneity of mid-century modernism and demonstrate how the leading names in mid-century modern design in the USA engaged with diverse theories of design in their lives and work. -- Grace Lees-Maffei, Professor of Design History * University of Hertfordshire * Re-examining the careers and contributions of major mid-century modern designers and re-reading classic texts such as Russel and Mary Wrights Guide to Easier Living (1950) and Richard Neutras Survival Through Design (1954), Lucinda Havenhands Mid-Century Modern Interiors focuses upon shared interests in establishing a theoretical and humanistic basis for the interior design profession, grounded in an interplay among efficiency, health, luxury, and vision. This informative and readable study should prove useful for design students and instructors alike. -- David Raizman, Professor Emeritus * Drexel University *
