The Library of Philip Johnson

The Philip Johnson Glass House, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Birch Books Conservation are proud to announce the launch of a ground-breaking publication, The Library of Philip Johnson: Selections from the Glass House. Written by Birch Cooper and Jordan Hruska, this beautifully illustrated book examines 100 titles from the architect’s Library/Study located at the Glass House site in New Canaan, Connecticut and features an introduction by Architect Robert A. M. Stern, textual analyses and 350 photographs.

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All sales benefit the conservation of the Library/Study and collection of books it contains.

The Library of Philip Johnson: Selections from the Glass House will function as a resource for the general public and for professional architects and designers, providing access to a selection of the ideas and images that shaped Philip Johnson’s contribution to American modernism. “The Glass House is honored to be the first recipient of Birch Books Conservation’s generosity. This publication not only brings important scholarship to the study of Philip Johnson and twentieth century design but also provides critical funds earmarked for the conservation of books contained in the Library/Study,” states Rena Zurofsky, Glass House interim executive director. “We are deeply grateful for Birch Books Conservation’s support,” she continued.

The publication launch also marks another milestone - the inaugural anthology compiled by Birch Books Conservation, a non-profit created to preserve America’s libraries collected by seminal authors, architects, artists, and other public figures. Birch Cooper and his team research the personal libraries and publish written and pictorial anthologies illuminating the unique books contained in each collection. The finished product offers insight and a glimpse into the minds of some of this country’s most iconic figures. “I am concerned about the plight of stressed institutions to preserve their collections and strongly believe that specific attention to book conservation is often overlooked at these sites, which struggle to maintain critical infrastructure, such as grounds and architecture, with limited funds,” states Birch Cooper, founder of Birch Books Conservation.

On October 25, 2011, Rena Zurofsky and Birch Cooper welcomed guests to a launch celebration sponsored by Christopher Spitzmiller, Inc. held at The Four Seasons Restaurant in New York. Robert A. M. Stern signed copies of the newly published book while guests mingled and enjoyed martinis provided by Belvedere Vodka.

The Glass House and Birch Books Conservation thank the generous sponsors of the book launch event.