Washington Sculpture: A Cultural History of Outdoor Sculpture in the Nation's Capital

As a part-time resident and eternal tourist of the city, I find this book fascinating! There are many sculptures in the city and surrounding areas. Often I simply walk past them, admire them, but have very little information about them, if any. This book is like a tour book for sculpture!What I like most:1. The book is arranged by geographic location, so you can find the pieces near each other easily. No awkward alphabetical listing (especially awkward if you don't know the names of things!) You might want to read a little before a walking trip to a certain neighborhood (or conversely, skim through that section to find out about something you saw.)2. It isn't just formal, installed works, but also gargoyles, doors, grave markers, pediments, and other architectural sculpture, which I thought was a nice addition. (I would have liked to have seen more of the National Cathedral, though.)3. It contains different types of descriptions/stories of the sculpture: the artist, the sponsor, history, etc. I did notice that there were some opinions rather than just facts, such as the placement decisions, relocation, ("situated awkwardly" or "unfortunately moved" "poor choice of placement" "bland statue") etc. While it does make the reading seem less "scholarly", it does make it seem like you are interacting with someone real...someone who likes certain things, dislikes other things, but is very knowledgeable and obviously is passionate about the works. More like hanging out with a friend than a teacher.4. It uses black and white photos, but I think it was appropriate. To me you can often see more detail in the shadow/light of black and white that you sometimes miss with color. Plus, most of the pieces are a solid-color metal or stone, so a color rendering isn't absolutely necessary.5. The sheer number of works included. If you are looking for a little book that maps the "highlights of the city to see in an hour", this book may be too much. It includes works from personal property, statues in front of agencies, monuments, etc. Nice to see not just the famous, or not just the obscure. I especially like the section with the architectural elements of the older apartment buildings. Beautiful work which is often missed by passers-by. Of course every single thing can't be included, but it was nice to see the little gems. I have a feeling I am going to be peering at the tops, corners, cornerstones, doorknobs, rainspouts, etc. everywhere now!Just a great book overall. Remember that this only covers outdoor works, not interiors of buildings (which are also fascinating) or any sculptures/friezes within. I have also just ordered  American Pantheon: Sculptural & Artistic Decoration Of the U.S. Capitol)  to have more information on the many many items inside that magnificent building. The National Gallery of Art also sells different books on their works if you are interested in their collections. I have  this one , but I should really look for an updated volume.

Excellent in every way!Extremely informative with regard to architecture and the symbolism behind the sculptures and monuments. Historical facts about the sculptures and the sculptors themselves bring meaning to the works of art. The political reasons behind the creation of some sculptures also increases the interest and "fun" when you get to actually see the monuments or sculptures.I take the book with me (and often a pair of binoculars to get to see the high pediments) and study/enjoy the works in a particular area. The way the book is organized (by areas) lends itself to this.The photos are top notch and I really enjoy the few historical photos that have been included.It is the book I am most pleased with purchasing ever! If you live in the DC area or just generally want to know and understand about the scuptures in the area, this book is a must have.

If you've walked or ridden by a statue in the District of Columbia or its environs and wanted to know more about it, this is the book for you. This monumental volume is the single best resource for those interested in outdoor statuary and architectural reliefs in the nation's capital and immediate area, including sculpture previously displayed out of doors but since removed. Its chapters are organized by neighborhoods and each entry is identified with a black and white photograph, location, date of completion or dedication, sculptor and medium, along with historical notes. It is intended for art lovers and those enamored of D.C. history rather than for the average tourist or architect, since it doesn't focus on the architecture of well-known buildings.

This has long been an indispensable guide to Washington's public sculpture. It's a unique and comprehensive compendium.

You don't have to be an expert in art or sculpture to appreciate this impressive book. The author has done a wonderful job of unveiling the fascinating stories and quirky details behind Washington DC's sculpted art, so much of it I'd often passed by without really noticing it. And with every entry having a photo, it makes it infinitely easier to identify the artworks, some of which are not your typical free standing statues (although there's certainly plenty of those).

I work in Washington, D.C. and live in Maryland. After years of driving past the incredible amount of statuary that exists in this City and wondering who was being honored and for what, I found the Goode book and have been enjoying looking things up. I've learned a great deal about the individuals and events that made this country and city great. This book gives sufficient detail, its chapters are well organized by location, and I highly recommend it.

Heavy tomb of a book, suitable for a library. But of course you would never find it in a library anymore. A must have for anyone visiting or living in the DC Metro area. I don't, but I was intrigued by the opening scenes of Netflix's House of Cards.

Washington, DC is known for its sculpture - every public square or triangular piece of land contains some monument. James Goode's updating of his 1974 classic volume about this national treasure is immense and comprehensive. Stories about the origins, scandals, and politics of each piece are fascinating, and reflect a significant amount of research. If the images had been slightly better the book would be perfect for both scholars and tour guides.