In 1910 Frank Lloyd Wright wrote that Americans in general, and wealthy Americans in particular, had become sycophantic followers of the Beaux-Arts style of architecture: "Painfully conscious of their lack of traditions, our powerful getrich- quick citizens attempt to buy Tradition ready made and are dragged forward facing backwards." He placed the blame on the sort of education architects were getting, taking a not-too-subtle jab at the pervasive influence of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts on American architecture. Instead of relying on outworn models, Wright said, Americans should rise to the challenges of modern life when they chose the design for their homes. "To thus make of a human dwelling-place a complete work of art, in itself expressive and beautiful, intimately related to modern life and fit to live in," Wright wrote, was the opportunity of American architecture.

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Edgar Kaufinann and Ben Raeburn...