About this book
Overview
The 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition was the most beautiful world's fair of all time. Its grand and sumptuous architecture; romantic, sheltering courts; vibrant murals; and dynamic fountains and sculptural groups were held in harmony by a carefully devised color palette, a creative design plan, innovative night-time illumination, and, of course, by the spectacular setting of San Francisco Bay. Photographs, picture postcards, and artists' depictions-including sketches made at the Exposition by architect Julia Morgan-are accompanied by the very words of the commentators of the time, bringing the ephemeral Jewel City to life again in this extravagantly illustrated volume.The events of the Exposition Year-from the triumphant Opening Day ceremonies to the joyous arrival of the Liberty Bell to the last, heart-breaking moments of Closing Day-are told within the framework of the everyday life of the author's family: a story-within-a-story. Letters preserved from 1915 reveal the extent to which the Exposition permeated the lives of all who were fortunate enough to live within its enchanted radius.With over 400 illustrations, many of which are in full color.
