I. M. Pei: A Profile in American Architecture (Revised Edition) [Hardcover]

Carter Wiseman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2001

"Beautifully illustrated . . . handsomely produced . . . highly informative."
-Choice

I. M. Pei has designed some of the world's most elegant and powerful buildings. The revised edition of Abrams' 1990 book features a new chapter that covers Pei's work between 1990 and 2001-a flurry of creativity that included commissions for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the final phases of work on the Louvre, and museums in Luxembourg, Germany, and Japan.

Dozens of color photographs present Pei's buildings in all their splendid variety, while scores of revealing drawings, plans, and models, as well as personal and documentary photographs, make this the only comprehensive record of the work of an architectural giant, one who has won every important honor in his field.
356 illustrations, 65 in full color, 42 line drawings, 340 pages, 83/4 x 11"

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Abrams first published Wiseman's study of I.M. Pei in 1990, and this revised edition adds projects that Pei completed from 1990 to 2001, during which he designed three major museums, completed his work on the Louvre, and gave us the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Pei was also thinking small as he aged, taking on commissions and building a harmony that played out in dramatic forms that match their purpose. Former architecture critic for New York magazine and a contributing editor of ArtNews, Wiseman (Twentieth-Century American Architecture) presents a thoughtful and detailed look at Pei and his work, along with 65 full-color illustrations and many more in black and white. Wiseman is equally interested in the architect's designs, his persona, and the place of his buildings in a sociological context. A weakness, however, is that he does not look back to look forward; that is, he does not offer critiques of the pre-1990 buildings to suggest whether some have lost an edge or gained new power in the ten years hence. Wiseman is very much taken by Pei and pays tribute to the man and his work in this thorough retrospective. Recommended. David Bryant, New Canaan Lib., CT
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Carter Wiseman, former architecture critic at New York Magazine, is a contributing editor of ARTnews. He has written on architecture and design for such publications as Newsweek, Architectural Record, Interior Design, and American Heritage.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 340 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; Revised edition (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810934779
• ISBN-13: 978-0810934771
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,957,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars an insightful reference book re I M Pei, January 2, 2000

By 

Ping Lim (Christchurch) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I.M. Pei: A Profile in American Architecture (Hardcover)

A very user-friendly book about this humble but undisputedbly one of the greatest architect of this century. The book is humane in the sense that it potrays I M Pei as the architect, & also, I M Pei the person behind the limelight. It's only fair to have his legacy left behind in all corners of the world signifying how irrelevant that is of what race you are to be regarded as a complete person & architect. His genius has transcends borders, cultures, & time. I couldn't help noticing that the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame, & the shrine in Japan, & probably other masterpieces weren't included in the book. Perhaps it's time to have the book updated.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Well written, a bit thin on actual work, September 30, 2001

By 

Ron (North York, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I.M. Pei: A Profile in American Architecture (Hardcover)

This book is ideal for the reader who enjoys the traditional format of architectural history. It contains background information, interesting stories behind some of I. M. Pei's most famous works, and a nice biographical sketch of the architect. Arguably, it is also one of the more "comprehensive" monogram that features Pei's architecture.

Although the photographs are beautiful, this book lacks depth if you are planning to study Pei's work. The plans are too small and are only mere fragments of the buildings. Photographs are artistically taken and fail to give a sense of the entire spatial composition of Pei's intricate design. None of the buildings are examined critically.

All in all, if you are looking for an entertaining reading then this book is ideal for you. But if you are looking into critically understanding Pei's work, then this book is really insufficient.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It has an excellent text and absolutely superb photography, May 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: I.M. Pei: A Profile in American Architecture (Hardcover)

This is a book of the highest quality. It gives a very complete survey of I.M. Pei's development from student days at MIT and Harvard to his latest accomplishments. The text is well written and most enjoyable to read. The illustrations are outstanding - they complement the text in a most admirable manner and clarify many statements of the text for the reader. This is a book to cherish if one is fortunate enough to own it. I wish another edition would be printed.