J. M. Richards Livres

This autobiography offers a personal perspective from James Maude Richards, who lived through the significant architectural debates of the twentieth century. It reflects on his experiences and insights gained during a transformative period in modern architecture, providing a unique lens on the controversies and developments that shaped the field. Through his narrative, readers gain an understanding of both the personal and professional challenges he faced amidst the evolving landscape of architectural thought.

The book focuses on the revival of classic literature from the early 1900s and earlier, highlighting the scarcity and rising costs of these works. It emphasizes the commitment to republishing these timeless texts in modern, affordable editions while preserving the original content and artwork, making them accessible to contemporary readers.

A facsimile edition of the classic High Street, which pairs the timeless illustrations of Eric Ravilious with a fascinating text by architectural historian J. M. Richards. First published in 1938, this charming book introduces the British high street. Shops include the family butcher, the cheesemonger, the baker and confectioner and the oyster bar, as well as specialized establishments such as the plumassier, the clerical outfitter and the submarine engineer. Only 2,000 copies of the original book were printed before the lithographic plates were destroyed in the London Blitz. As a result, it has become one of the most collectible of all artists' books from this period. This beautiful facsimile edition features all 24 of Ravilious's colour illustrations, and includes an essay by Gill Saunders, Senior Curator of Prints at the Victoria and Albert Museum, that sets the book in its historical context.