Ramiro Fernandez
Still mysterious to many, life in Cuba before the revolution, with all its opulence and struggle, is depicted in nearly 300 vintage photographs from the author’s collection, one of the largest assemblages outside the island nation. Illustrating the country’s history are early daguerreotypes and shots of glamorous movie stars, as well as some rarities: a portrait of Fidel Castro as a schoolboy and a snapshot of a bare-chested Che Guevara. Miami-bred writer Richard Blanco, who recited his work at President Obama’s second inauguration, provides the foreword and some poems. monacellipress.com
PHOTO COURTESY MONACELLI PRESS
RENE GONZALEZ ARCHITECTS: NOT LOST IN TRANSLATION
Rene Gonzalez et al.
The understated elegance and environmental consciousness of Miami-based firm Rene Gonzalez Architects shines in this survey of 14 residential, commercial and cultural projects throughout Florida. Unparalleled in his ability to distill the essence of place into progressive, responsive, resonant buildings, Gonzalez also contributes his own photos of Miami’s vernacular architecture to the book. A conversation with architects Billie Tsien and Tod Williams and essays by writers Beth Dunlop and Caroline Roux round out the volume. monacellipress.com
PHOTO COURTESY MONACELLI PRESS
ADDISON MIZNER: THE ARCHITECT WHOSE GENIUS DEFINED PALM BEACH
Stephen Perkins and James Caughman
Addison Mizner, the self-styled architect whose striking Mediterranean-Revival buildings have long marked the island of Palm Beach, gets another look in this colorful tome. Stephen Perkins, a practicing architect, and James Caughman, a cultural historian, illuminate Mizner’s fascinating life. Photographer Craig Kuhner captures the stunning structures that remain on Palm Beach. The pleasing collaboration offers insight into the eye-catching buildings and a glimpse of the world beyond the blueprints. lyonspress.com
PHOTO COURTESY LYONS PRESS
HUGHESUMBANHOWAR ARCHITECTS: THE ARCHITECTURE OF SCOTT HUGHES AND JOHN UMBANHOWAR
Scott Hughes
Architect and author, Scott Hughes brings a unique perspective to the 21 sleek works created by his Florida- and California-based firm and featured in this vibrant monograph. Also included: detailed floor plans, plus photographs of select structures over the years, which offer a comprehensive view of the firm’s past and present. huum21projectsbook.com
