# Louis Sullivan — Sticks and Stones character guide

> Louis Sullivan in Sticks and Stones by Lewis Mumford.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Louis Sullivan, the late Mr. Louis Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan

**First appearance:** 0008-ii-the-heritage-of-the-renaissance

## Snapshot

The modernist who bitterly observed in The Autobiography of an Idea that imperialism burked a consonant modern style, and whose disciples reacted against Richardson's stamp.

## Who they are

Sullivan belongs to the generation that studied at the École des Beaux Arts and sought a neutral mode consecrated by established canons of good taste, even as steel-cage construction placed a premium on the mask. His bitter diagnosis, that the growth of imperialism stifled a genuine modern American style, runs beneath Mumford's account of the 1890s. He is the conscience of the book's argument about what American architecture might have become.

## Relationships

### [H. H. Richardson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sticks_and_stones_se/characters/h_h_richardson)

_professional_

Sullivan was influenced by Richardson's organic ornamentation and massing, though he later pioneered a more modernist approach.

## In the story

### [Sticks and Stones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sticks_and_stones_se/chapters/sticks-and-stones)

Mentioned for his contributions to modern architecture and the skyscraper.

### [Chapter II: The Imperial Age and the City Beautiful](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sticks_and_stones_se/chapters/ii)

Referenced for his complaint in 'The Autobiography of an Idea' that imperialism stifled more creative architectural modes.

### [VII: The Age of the Machine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sticks_and_stones_se/chapters/vii-the-age-of-the-machine)

Cited for his search for a 'rule so broad as to admit of no exceptions' and his bitter observation that imperialism stunted the development of a modern style.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sticks_and_stones_se/chapters/iii)

Cited as a leader in accepting the logic of the draped cube in skyscraper design.

### [Chapter V: The Machine Age and the Dehumanization of Architecture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sticks_and_stones_se/chapters/v)

Referenced for his bitter observation in 'The Autobiography of an Idea' that the growth of imperialism stifled the development of a consonant modern style.

### [Architecture and Civilization](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sticks_and_stones_se/chapters/viii-architecture-and-civilization)

Cited as an example of an architect of boldness and originality.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sticks_and_stones_se/chapters/i)

Mentioned as a bold and original architect, and later criticized for his simplistic call to 'accept and enthrone the virtues of democracy.'

### [Biographical Studies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sticks_and_stones_se/chapters/iii-biographical-studies)

Subject of 'The Autobiography of an Idea' by Louis H. Sullivan.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sticks_and_stones_se/characters/louis_sullivan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sticks_and_stones_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sticks_and_stones_se/characters