Albert Kahn

The story of Albert Kahn, a world-renowned architect. He left his mark across the skyline of Detroit - in skyscrapers and factories, hospitals and theaters - as well as across southeastern Michigan and the world. Albert Kahn was an architect at the dawn of the automobile age, when the Motor City came into its own. This biography tells young readers how he overcame numerous disadvantages to make that indelible mark. Raised in a poor family, Kahn's formal education ended when he was 12. He was colorblind and was fired from his first architectural job for "lack of talent." Yet through skill, determination, and self-confidence he turned hardship to advantage and realized his dream of becoming an architect. Roger Matuz tells Kahn's story in narrative fashion, weaving together anecdotes and quotes by and about Kahn while chronicling his life and work. Matuz relates both major incidents in Kahn's life and descriptions of his work, from the factory in which the first Model T was produced to elegant homes that have received national recognition. He explains how Kahn was influenced by Renaissance architecture he saw while traveling in Europe.
Although Kahn attributed much of his success to the good fortune of being in the right place at the right time, he exemplified hard work and perseverance. Matuz's account conveys that example for young readers who can see the results of Kahn's determination in their own world.