Overview

Since its first publication in 1982, Modern Architecture Since 1900 has become established as a contemporary classic. Worldwide in scope, it combines a clear historical outline with masterly analysis and interpretation. Technical, economic, social and intellectual developments are brought together in a comprehensive narrative which provides a setting for the detailed examination of buildings. Throughout the book the author's focus is on the individual architect, and on the qualities that give outstanding buildings their lasting value. For the third edition the text has been radically revised and expanded, incorporating much new material and a fresh appreciation of regional identity and variety. Almost every chapter has been expanded and updated, and seven chapters are entirely new, including the whole of Part Four, which covers recent world architecture. Described by James Ackerman of Harvard University as 'immeasurably the finest work covering this field in existence', this book presents a penetrating analysis of the modern tradition and its origins, and traces the creative interaction between old and new that has generated such an astonishing richness of architectural forms throughout the century.

Full Product Details

9780714835242

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Reviews

'A beautiful book, with a readable type and a host of superb illustrations, many of which are in colour. It would be no hyperbole to give the highest praise to those responsible for the design and layout of the volume.' (Environments by Design) 'A superb text for any course on modern architecture...can provide the student of architecture with the means to accomplish his most arduous task: to see.' (Skyline) 'As close to a definitive guide to the architecture of our century as we yet have.' (The Sunday Times) 'Well established as the standard work on twentieth-century architecture, the new edition of this book has a fresh appreciation of the range and complexity of modern architecture...This will become an essential textbook.' (Jury of the American Institute of Architects) 'The book is excellent value.' (Architects' Journal) 'A book of this length and depth is an unimaginable achievement...each chapter opens with an excellent essay laying out the main theoretical and historical issues. Despite his immense knowledge he does not talk down to his audience; instead his enthusiasm is infectious...It is delightful to see social housing alongside public and private buildings and to see nationalist and post-war architecture reviewed...it is definitely worth having. Colour pictures are numerous and there are plenty you have not seen before.' (Building Design) 'This should be a standard volume in all architecture collections.' (Library Journal) 'Comprehensive, up-to-date and very readable.' (Sunday Telegraph) 'Probably the most complete handbook now available, will find its way on to the required reading list for all students of architecture and the history of art.' (Archis) 'The clearest and most authentic survey to appear in English. After the tortuous style-filled books of the last 20 or so years, which have pompously posed as significant reading, Curtis's perspective reads as a brief of fresh air. Essential reading, indeed breath-taking reading for professionals, students, and intelligent lay-persons. I could not put it down...Neither should you!' (Architecture New Zealand) 'Now established as the standard work on 20th-century architecture.' (Reference & Research Book News)

'A beautiful book, with a readable type and a host of superb illustrations, many of which are in colour. It would be no hyperbole to give the highest praise to those responsible for the design and layout of the volume.' (Environments by Design) 'A superb text for any course on modern architecture…can provide the student of architecture with the means to accomplish his most arduous task: to see.' (Skyline) 'As close to a definitive guide to the architecture of our century as we yet have.' (The Sunday Times) 'Well established as the standard work on twentieth-century architecture, the new edition of this book has a fresh appreciation of the range and complexity of modern architecture…This will become an essential textbook.' (Jury of the American Institute of Architects) 'The book is excellent value.' (Architects' Journal) 'A book of this length and depth is an unimaginable achievement…each chapter opens with an excellent essay laying out the main theoretical and historical issues. Despite his immense knowledge he does not talk down to his audience; instead his enthusiasm is infectious…It is delightful to see social housing alongside public and private buildings and to see nationalist and post-war architecture reviewed…it is definitely worth having. Colour pictures are numerous and there are plenty you have not seen before.' (Building Design) 'This should be a standard volume in all architecture collections.' (Library Journal) 'Comprehensive, up-to-date and very readable.' (Sunday Telegraph) 'Probably the most complete handbook now available, will find its way on to the required reading list for all students of architecture and the history of art.' (Archis) 'The clearest and most authentic survey to appear in English. After the tortuous style-filled books of the last 20 or so years, which have pompously posed as significant reading, Curtis’s perspective reads as a brief of fresh air. Essential reading, indeed breath-taking reading for professionals, students, and intelligent lay-persons. I could not put it down…Neither should you!' (Architecture New Zealand) 'Now established as the standard work on 20th-century architecture.' (Reference & Research Book News)

'A beautiful book, with a readable type and a host of superb illustrations, many of which are in colour. It would be no hyperbole to give the highest praise to those responsible for the design and layout of the volume.' (Environments by Design) 'A superb text for any course on modern architecturei'1/2can provide the student of architecture with the means to accomplish his most arduous task: to see.' (Skyline) 'As close to a definitive guide to the architecture of our century as we yet have.' (The Sunday Times) 'Well established as the standard work on twentieth-century architecture, the new edition of this book has a fresh appreciation of the range and complexity of modern architecturei'1/2This will become an essential textbook.' (Jury of the American Institute of Architects) 'The book is excellent value.' (Architects' Journal) 'A book of this length and depth is an unimaginable achievementi'1/2each chapter opens with an excellent essay laying out the main theoretical and historical issues. Despite his immense knowledge he does not talk down to his audience; instead his enthusiasm is infectiousi'1/2It is delightful to see social housing alongside public and private buildings and to see nationalist and post-war architecture reviewedi'1/2it is definitely worth having. Colour pictures are numerous and there are plenty you have not seen before.' (Building Design) 'This should be a standard volume in all architecture collections.' (Library Journal) 'Comprehensive, up-to-date and very readable.' (Sunday Telegraph) 'Probably the most complete handbook now available, will find its way on to the required reading list for all students of architecture and the history of art.' (Archis) 'The clearest and most authentic survey to appear in English. After the tortuous style-filled books of the last 20 or so years, which have pompously posed as significant reading, Curtisi'1/2s perspective reads as a brief of fresh air. Essential reading, indeed breath-taking reading for professionals, students, and intelligent lay-persons. I could not put it downi'1/2Neither should you!' (Architecture New Zealand) 'Now established as the standard work on 20th-century architecture.' (Reference & Research Book News)

Author Information

William Curtis has won worldwide acclaim for his architectural writing. His books include Le Corbusier: Ideas and Forms and Denys Lasdun, both published by Phaidon.

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