The Curves of Time: The Memoirs of Oscar Niemeyer [Paperback]

Oscar Neimeyer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 5, 2007

In this first ever English-language edition of Oscar Niemeyer's memoirs, the architect reveals how his many passions - among them his large family, many friends, the sensuous landscape of Brazil, women, Communism, art and literature - have all influenced his life and in turn inspired his architecture.Born in Rio de Janeiro, Niemeyer graduated from the National School of Fine Arts in 1934. As a student he worked in the office of Lucio Costa, and on graduation he began collaborating with Le Corbusier on a new Ministry of Education and Health Building in Rio. Yet, in contrast to the International Style, Niemeyer's curvilinear forms reflected Brazil's lush, undulating landscape and the emotive style of its music and dance. Here Niemeyer recounts his life in an informal, fluid narrative that moves from his childhood in Rio, through to friendships with intellectuals and politicians such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Fidel Castro, to tales of adventurous road trips. The book includes 40 specially-made sketches by Niemeyer, a chronology of his notes and an index.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The things we talked about are all in Niemeyer's superbly crafted memoirs, The Curves of Time: the politics, the love of mountains, beaches and sea, the curved line, beautiful women...' (Guardian)'The book is a symphony of blues and grey, beautiful to handle.' (Times Literary Supplement)

About the Author

Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer (b.1907) is one of the great architectural masters of the twentieth century and a pioneer of Modernism. Although Niemeyer has designed hundreds of striking and remarkably visionary buildings and masterplans during his career of six decades, he is known primarily for his role as chief architect for Brasilia and his extended collaborations with Le Corbusier. Today Niemeyer is admired for his highly inventive, organic forms that reinterpret the austerity of European Modernism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Phaidon Press (December 5, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0714848573
• ISBN-13: 978-0714848570
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #246,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Niemeyer looks back, September 28, 2002

By 

El Cholo Invisivel (Brazil) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Curves of Time: Oscar Niemeyer Memoirs (Hardcover)

Niemeyer looks back in a non-linear fashion at his life, which spans most of the 20th century. He talks about his friendships with presidents, musicians, radicals, architects and drunkards, stressing the things that made them most human. A good read, not only for architecture fans but for anyone who is interested in Brazil. The translator includes detailed footnotes explaining the names, places and buildings. I found it surprising to find out what a Bohemian Niemeyer is and the delight he has in telling stories of adventures with his pals in Brazilian brothels. He mentions Henry Miller as one of his favorite writers and at times the influence is evident (although Niemeyer is too classy to go into sordid detail). A poignant read by an atheist who knows the end is near and is admitedly afraid of death, who values family and friendship above art.

4.0 out of 5 stars illustrate & exclaim..., April 27, 2009

By 

David Cuthbert (JAMAICA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Curves of Time: The Memoirs of Oscar Niemeyer (Paperback)

An unceremonious autobiography that aims to capture the enthusiasm for life, the Brazilian landscape, many loves and friendships of master architect Oscar Neimeyer. More than a chronological documentation of his life, it reads as an emotional reflection of the social and political influences that shaped his thoughts and his works. Reissued on the centenary of his birth, it paints a personal and moreover a historical glimpse of his contribution to modern architecture. The informality of the book aside - original sketches by the architect adorn the pages, seeking to illustrate and exclaim where the story or perhaps his memory falls short.