Lodge
An Indoorsy Tour of America’s National Parks
Max Humphrey’s Lodge is a photographic guide to ten historic buildings within the west and southwest of the US’s National Park Service.
After the establishment of the first national parks in the late nineteenth century, travelers began to flock to these spectacular sites, prompting the construction of lodges that could house visitors while complementing their glorious surroundings, Humphrey writes. Those sites are featured here—among them, landmark buildings like the Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park, which is reached by driving through the Sierra Nevada and a “series of actual Ansel Adams photographs.” And at the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone, bison roam free and the famed geyser erupts daily while, back indoors, clawfoot tubs and steam radiators enhance the vintage decor.
The Inn at Death Valley is a green vision in the desert, with date palm trees and “carpets” of thick grass. The tiled pool, fountains, tennis courts, and golf course result in a Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, and Old Hollywood ambiance. Washington’s Paradise Inn is flanked by misty woods and snow-capped, volcanic Mount Rainier. And for those who long for simpler technological times, Yosemite’s Curry Village still has a functioning pay phone.
Though the book focuses on organic architecture and interior designs, it also includes detailed information regarding each lodge’s regional landscape, climate, Indigenous influences, and unique sights. Among the intriguing historical notes are Theodore Roosevelt’s two post-presidential visits to the Grand Canyon’s “curative” El Tovar Hotel, which perhaps allowed him to “detox from one of the world’s most thankless jobs.” Lodge also features splendid photographs to accompany its site descriptions, depicting star-studded skies, stunning lake views, rustic firesides, and parchment lantern chandeliers.
A witty, savvy, and welcoming national parts pictorial, Lodge spotlights the beautiful harmony between dwellings and natural wonders.
Reviewed by
Meg Nola
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
