Adolf Cluss, Architect: From Germany To America

This first book devoted to the remarkable career of Adolf Cluss (1825-1905) follows Cluss from his hometown of Heilbronn is southwestern Germany, through his adventures as an associate of Karl Marx and a participant in the German Revolution of 1848, to Washington, where he built a practice as a prolific, acclaimed architect and civil engineer. The book weaves together the work of scholars in German and American history, architecture, and urban studies. Best remembered for his design of the National Museum (now the Smithsonian Institution's Arts and Industries building), Cluss infused the latest ideas and international styles and standards into his work on Washington's schools, markets, government and commercial buildings, churches, domestic architecture, and even street and sewer designs during the period when Washington was emerging as a modern city. Abundant illustrations based on years of research allow readers to visualize the episodes of Cluss's dramatic life, Washington during his time, and his remarkable legacy to his adopted city.