Uncommon TMS, nine onionskin pages, 8.5 x 11, dated February 1953, signed and inscribed at the top of the first page in blue ballpoint, "To Lewis—F. Ll. W." An essay entitled "In the Cause of Architecture: The 'International Style,'" originally published as the final issue (No. 17) of Wright's Taliesin Square-Paper series, in part: "The International style is neither international nor a style. Internationalism is Totalitarianism. All ISMS are merely derivative. An ISM is only a notion. At most the notion becomes a fashion and a Fashion is—always—some passing show of imitation: probably an imitation of a bad imitation by a bad imitator. In any Intentional 'Style,' therefore, we would have more invasion than invention. Though unfortunately serviceable to the commerce of Education as it now runs is this latest propaganda, 'BUILT IN U.S.A.: POSTWAR ARCHITECTURE,' sold by the Museum of Modern Art, New York, N.Y. I see in it a cliche for the rising tide of mediocrity. You will find that it merely betrays what was originally individual in true Democratic sense of the much abused term—Organic Architecture—The Architecture of Democracy…
Why do I distrust and defy Internationalism as I do Communism? Because it must do this very leveling in the name of Civilization whether willing it so or not. Communism (factual religion of collectivism) once established, the sun of creation goes down. Life does agree to be embalmed alive. I see collectivism in all forms—especially in Architecture—already becoming too expedient in our midst. Such drift toward all forms of standardization away from quality toward quantity can only mean the success of Communist or Totalitarian. All collectivism such as Internationalism as a Style tends to diminish the human soul because it relieves the individual of a developed conscience and takes from him therefore the reward of being true to himself as himself. This reward of individuality as been the Star of Creation since time immemorial. That Star cannot set for America in any standardized Style. When and where Life—unaware—might consent to be embalmed alive, intellectuals seem last to waken to the rescue. Sleep lasts longest for them because light from within hurts their eyes most of all." Mumford has added the date in pencil to the upper right corner, and makes several corrections to the text. In fine condition, with a corner crease and staple hole to upper left corners. New Yorker architecture critic Lewis Mumford shared a well-known embattled relationship with Wright. After nearly two decades of friendship, moral and philosophical differences over World War II resulted in the pair not speaking for over a decade. The enmity finally thawed in the spring of 1951 when Wright forwarded Mumford a copy of his book Sixty Years of Living Architecture. An insightful glimpse into Wright's standpoint on the progress of international design.
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