Book Review by David B. Linstrum

Most of us are so profoundly influenced by media hype that we still think that a major landmark of the City of Angels is the white concrete hilltop sign that spells out HOLLYWOOD. Others may believe that architectural style was enriched by the bun-roofed joint on Melrose THE BURGER THAT ATE LA! The 1923 era sign is still there, but the burger with the works (tomato ceiling inside) has been replaced by a Starbucks coffee emporium.

In reality, this megalopolis, once a lonely Spanish mission, has quite a rich and varied architectural history. This is captured in broad scope and amazing detail by author Patrick McGrew (a practicing architect and chairman of the San Francisco Preservation Board) and superbly illustrated with 150 black and white and 50 color images by freelance writer/photographer Robert Julian in Landmarks of Los Angeles.

This catalog of more than 500 structures and sites that the city has designated as protected historic monuments is a preservationist's guidebook. Despite the development-driven spirit of constant change, fueled by the pervasive freeway, this book reveals a diverse, centuries-old archtiectural heritage. From the native American pueblos to the Mission style of the first settlers to the boom buildings of the movie industry, it is all here. Included are Deco, Revival and Modern -- but thankfully not Post-Modern of Deconstructivist!

The first movie studios of the Twenties, Bullock's Wilshire department store (an Art Deco dreamsicle), the ritzy Mayflower and Alexandria hotels -- all are captured with complete historical precision. Learn about the fate of such immense projects as the Mulholland Dam, the Watts Towers, and Venice Canals. See the 1928 City Hall (Remember Dragnet? Just the facts, Ma'am) and the 1933 Union Station, still used by AMTRAK.

The huge hilltop sign erected to advertise "Hollywoodland" subdivision now overlooks residences by greats like Richard Neutra, FLLW, Julia Morgan, and the Parkinsons. Civic work by the leading firms is also covered, along with a comprehensive appendix of styles and bibliography.

So, whether you brave the freeway traffic to see these landmarks with your own eyes, or prefer the more comfortable armchair tour, you will discover a rich vein of architectural riches her in LA -- the metropolis of fantasy.