Explore Europe through the eyes of a young architect on the brink of greatness.

In the spring of 1893, Henry Hornbostel—soon to become one of the most influential architects of the early twentieth century—set off on his first European adventure. Armed with a notebook and a sketchbook, he traveled through Spain, Italy, and France, capturing his observations with wit and a keen architect’s eye. Time Well Spent presents these remarkable documents in a new, reproduced edition, providing readers with an intimate look at the creative process of a Beaux-Arts architect in training.

Hornbostel’s journal is more than just a travelogue—it reveals the evolving vision of an American abroad at a time when US architecture was redefining itself on the world stage. With contextual essays by Francesca Torello, this edition highlights the significance of travel in architectural education, tracing how first-hand encounters with European landscapes and structures shaped Hornbostel’s approach to design. A must-read for architects, historians, and lovers of grand ideas, Time Well Spent sheds light on the moments where inspiration takes root and transforms into art.