The Houses of the Hamptons
by Paul Goldberger
Knopf, May 12th, 1986
In The Houses of the Hamptons, Paul Goldberger, explores the evolution of this unusual set of villages on eastern Long Island and their role as an incubator of modern architecture. Published in 1986, as the stylistic tide was turning away from modernism, the book refers to the Hamptons as an “architectural stage,” and documents the early work of architects such as Charles Gwathmey, Richard Meier, Julian and Barbara Neski, Norman Jaffe and Alfredo de Vido, which made the Hamptons one of the key regions in the United States for significant postwar modernist residential architecture. In the book, which is out of print but available through Amazon and other sources, Paul Goldberger observes how the rise of traditional, shingled architecture was beginning to overtake modernism, and asks whether revivalism and modernism could be made compatible.
From Publisher’s Weekly:
‘According to New York Times architecture critic Goldberger, the Long Island towns of East Hampton, Southampton, Bridgehampton and the other areas that collectively comprise “the Hamptons” are “perhaps the wealthiest second-home communities in the world” and are “famous for modern architecture.”…The abundant photos of breathtaking houses are arranged alphabetically by architect, a few of whom contribute their own perspectives on buildings in the area. The rarefied world of the Hamptons isn’t a viable playland for all, but anyone can enjoy a visit via the pages of this showcase.’
