15 October, 2006

The White House: A Pop-Up Book

Starting with the design by Irish-born architect James Hoban in 1792, the White House history spans more than 200 years.

In The White House: A Pop-Up Book, Chuck Fischer brings to life not only the architecture, furnishings, and fine art of America's First Home, but also the history of Washington, DC, the National Mall, and America's First Families.

A movable diorama of the Mall gives a 3-D view of America's national monuments; a pop-up of the White House provides a look at the mansion's exterior; a standing 'carousel' reveals interiors of the Red Room, Cross Hall, Blue Room, Green Room, and Lincoln Bedroom; a removable map of Washington, DC details the city's layout; and a gallery of the presidents combined with a fan that opens to portray the first ladies illustrates America's leading families over the centuries.

In addition, numerous pull-outs and pop-ups surprise the reader with interesting details, such as holiday traditions at the White House and the antics of more than one White House child (roller skating across polished floors or bombarding a cabinet meeting with a toy cannon!).

Chuck Fischer is one of the most talented and sought-after artists in America today and is the author and illustrator of the acclaimed Great American Houses and Gardens: A Pop-Up Book and Wallcoverings: Applying the Language of Color and Pattern, both published by Universe. His wallcovering and fabric designs are in the permanent collection of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, and he has recently been a visiting artist at the American Academy in Rome.

http://forum.wgbh.org/wgbh/forum.php?lecture_id=1815



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