Iconic Vision: John Parkinson, Architect of Los Angeles

A good history of John Parkinson's life and work is much needed; he's a very important figure in the history of Los Angeles' architecture. Unfortunately, this book isn't it. While the author clearly is a big fan of Parkinson's work, he does not seem to have much expertise in architectural history.Take as an example his chapter on LA's City Hall. Gee appears to have done most of his research in newspaper archives. There are pages describing every detail of the official opening day celebrations for the building, together with enlarged news photos of Mayor George Cryer breaking ground, giving a speech, laying the cornerstone and so on. But other than a brief reference to Bertram Goodhue's Nebraska State Capitol, there is precious little analysis of the building's design, its sources and place within American architectural history of the 1920s. The repetitive photographs look like either old press photography or picturesque shots done by a tourist. Gee has made no attempt to systematically photograph the exterior of the building, and as for the interior--one old black and white detail, period. This very important building deserves better.A strength of Gee's book is biography. We get an interesting history of Parkinson's peripatetic life as a young craftsman and architect searching for opportunity in several western towns and cities before settling in Los Angeles. ( I am assuming Gee's source is Parkinson's autobiography, although without footnotes it is difficult to know.) Numerous historic photos of Parkinson's buildings are also interesting and useful, although the book's design interferes with the reader's enjoyment. Photographs are oddly positioned and juxtaposed without margins. Captions are in white superimposed over the photos, making them difficult to read. The hyper layout ends up looking like a travel brochure.Iconic Vision is divided into two parts. The first 125 pages are a general history of Parkinson's career and that of his son and grandson, (both named Donald). The last 75 pages separately examine the firm's four most important commissions: the LA Coliseum, City Hall, Bullocks Wilshire and Union Station. But what the section promises--a more detailed description and analysis of four landmark designs--it just doesn't deliver.

I found this book quite by accident and I’m very glad I did! I’m a native Los Angeleno and my affection for my home city has greatly diminished but this book has piqued my interest in the well-known places, where I’ve spent many hours and still others I hadn’t given any thought. My husband and his older associates who’ve spent decades in the commercial real estate field have never heard of John Parkinson! This book is wonderful and Mr. Parkinson is deserving of a true biography. Thank you Stephen Gee!

If you love Los Angeles, you will love this book. Chances are when you are driving or biking or walking throughout the city, you are often coming in contact with the architecture of John Parkinson. These buildings are monumental to the feeling, the fabric, and the history of Los Angeles. The story of John Parkinson's life and work is one that needed telling, and Stephen Gee has told it so well.

This is a great book with text and photos. All angelenos should own it.

Interesting historic pictures of L.A and its buildings.

Beautiful book and a must for anyone interested in Los Angeles history and its architecture. Architect John Parkinson finally gets some long overdue credit for his contribution to the built environment of Los Angeles.

Good photos of this architect's work in Los Angeles. Drawings of unrealized project of an art deco skyscraper also interesting. Looks a lot like the the Board of Trade Building in Chicago A good read for those interested in buildings done by this architect

If you live anywhere near LA, buy this book. Friends who have seen the book on my coffee table have rushed out to buy it for themselves.