WPA Buildings: Architecture and Art of the New Deal
WPA Buildings: Architecture and Art of the New Deal surveys public architecture and art created through the Works Progress Administration during the 1930s. It covers the WPA Moderne style, civic buildings and government-commissioned murals, with illustrations and historical context.
At a glance
- Examines the architectural style that emerged from Works Progress Administration projects after the Great Depression.
- Discusses how civic buildings were intended to project progress and public confidence.
- Includes an extensive chapter on murals depicting US history and working people.
- Illustrated, documented study of buildings in cities large and small.
Reference price: $45.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Combines architectural history with discussion of the social role of public buildings.
- The mural chapter broadens the focus beyond building design to commissioned public art.
- At 160 pages, the listing describes a bounded survey rather than an exhaustive multi-volume reference.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Schiffer |
|---|---|
| Publication date | February 15, 2017 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 160 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0764352113 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0764352119 |
| Weight listed | 2.42 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.6 x 0.9 x 11 inches |
What to know before buying
- The listing characterizes the book as illustrated and well-documented but does not specify the number, format or color treatment of illustrations.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in New Deal and WPA history.
- Architecture and design students or enthusiasts studying WPA Moderne, Art Deco and modernism.
- Readers interested in American civic murals and public art.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a construction manual or contemporary building-design guidance.
- Readers looking for a comprehensive catalogue of every WPA-funded building.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
69% 69% - 4 stars
23% 23% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
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Aggregate ratings lean positive, with most ratings in the four- or five-star categories and a smaller three-star share. That provides a generally favorable but limited signal for a specialized history book. No written customer feedback is supplied, so it does not show which aspects readers valued or where they saw shortcomings.
Frequently asked questions
What period and subject does the book cover?
The listing describes a study of buildings funded by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s and the architectural style associated with those projects.
Does the book cover art as well as architecture?
Yes. The description includes an extensive chapter on government-commissioned murals within these structures, alongside its architectural survey.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 160 pages.
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