I.M. Pei: A Profile in American Architecture [Hardcover]

Carter Wiseman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1990

"I.M. Pei: A Profile in American Architecture" is the first full-length study of the life and work of his extraordinary artist. Illustrated from the rich archives of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, the book charts Pei's progress from his birth in China in 1917 through every milestone in his career to his preeminent position today. The author, noted architecture critic Carter Wiseman, has supplemented extensive and meticulous research with many hours of conversation with Pei, his family, and his associates. He focuses his text on twelve buildings of special relevance to Pei's career, and, whether discussing the Kennedy Library, the Louvre, or the Meyerson Symphony Center, he carefully considers the projects architectural, sociological, and personal dimensions. One sees how Pei's artistic vision has emerged, how he has deftly met the demands of each new situation and client, and how his charmismatic personality has affected events.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Chinese-American architect Pei has designed some of the most distinguished public buildings of the last four decades, from the Kennedy Library in Boston to the Louvre's controversial glass pyramid addition. This first book-length career survey traces Pei's rise from an MIT engineering student to head of an internationally renowned architectural firm. Journalist-author Wiseman anchors his readable text on 12 key commissions, but sometimes loses his way amid anecdotes of the rich and famous that do little to advance our understanding of Pei's architecture. Included are 340 color and black-and-white illustrations, a select bibliography, and a listing of works executed by the Pei firm. Recommended.
- Annette Melville, Univ. of California at Berkeley Lib.
Copyright 1991 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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; 1st edition. edition (September 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810937093
• ISBN-13: 978-0810937093
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.3 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: #837,325 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.