Virginia Blue has spent seven years researching Howard Lawson’s life and architecture, discovering many unknown facts about him, and untangling the truth from myth.

She has worked closely with the Lawson family during this time, to reveal the human side of Howard, delving into who he was, and what drove his ambitious desire to build his dreams of soul-rich architecture for others to enjoy.

Virginia’s research was sparked by her thesis on his life and architecture, completed as part of a Master of Urban Cultural Heritage at the University of Melbourne. For this, she was a recipient of the Dean’s Honours Awards, and was presented with the Carole and John Middleton Award for outstanding academic achievement.

She has published a small sample of these findings, in conjunction with Public Records Victoria and the official national journal of the Australian Institute of Architects.

But the rest of Howard Lawson’s story, of his extraordinary life and architecture, will be revealed in her upcoming biography about him.

Copies from the first print run are limited, so pre-order now to make sure of yours.

Choose your edition

• First edition hardback, $110 (incl. GST). Pre-order discount until 21/11/26. Ships from early December.

• First edition paperback, $85 (incl. GST). Ships from end November.

• First 100 pre-orders. Receive an author-signed bookplate.