Architecture in the Twentieth Century (Single Jumbos) (Hardcover)

by Peter Gössel (Author), Gabriele Leuthäuser (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
'Architects in the twentieth Century.....is a bible for building buffs' Elle Decoration, London --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description
TASCHEN is not too busy outdoing the competition to outdo itself. The proof is in this new, revised edition of 20th Century Architecture. What was already the leading publication of its kind is now back with a vengeance. Coverage up until 2000, more color photos, more architect biographies, new chapters on deconstructivism and the new living architecture... it all adds up to the best review of 20th century architecture you could hope for.

From Frank Lloyd Wright to Gaudi to Frank O. Gehry to Shigeru Ban and everything in between, it's all here. The chronologically organized chapters put it all into perspective, illustrated by hundreds of large format photos as well as a plenitude drawings and floor plans. The biographical appendix covers all of the century's greatest architects, including today's new talents. An indispensable reference work and an absolute must for all lovers of architecture! --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Taschen (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3822805505
• ISBN-13: 978-3822805503
• Product Dimensions: 13 x 10.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,528,421 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great survey for a layman., April 2, 2000

By	Capt James W. Weirick - See all my reviews

This review is from: Architecture in the Twentieth Century (Jumbo) (Paperback)

As a layman in the area of architecture this book served as an excellent survey of the development of architecture over the last 100 years. The book explained the material in-depth without overwhelming those of us who did not revive a formal education in architecture. For example, the explanation of the gulf that existed between architects and engineers made the development of structures all the more riveting. History, and its effect on architecture is explained in great detail, from the need for housing in post-war Europe to the excesses of Art Deco in pre-crash America. The development of architecture in both Europe and North America is detailed and explained. A detailed view of Frank Lloyd Wright's presented in all its glory. The structures detailed in this book include: skyscrapers, apartment buildings, factory complexes, greenhouses, and single-family residences. All of these structures are illustrated with large photographs as well as detailed drawings. Another notable feature of this book is the explanatory notes included with each photograph. These notes allow the reader to thumb through the book without having to read all of the text to understand the importance of the structures depicted in the photographs. The book ends with 30 pages of biographies of the influential architects of the past 100 years. This allows the reader to begin to comprehend the time and effort these great men devoted to their craft. This book would serve well as either, a coffee-table book or a reference book for those readers seeking to expand their knowledge of this area. I would recommend this book for either purpose.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why modern buildings look the way they do, November 4, 2005

By	Robin Benson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Architecture in the 20th Century (2 vols, slipcase) (Paperback)

These two books (608 pages in total) are a reprint of the 1991 edition (ISBN 3822805505) which was a book of coffee-table proportions. Nicely though, they have been updated to include architecture up to 2004.

The format is basically visual with long captions explaining various themes and I thought the coverage was rather impressive, for instance, there is a chapter called 'Bubbles' dealing with the work of Buckminster Fuller, Bruce Goff, John Lautner, Roger Dean and Staffan Berglund. Most of the photos in the second book, from the forties onwards, are in color and many buildings have their relevant floor plans too. The design and production is excellent, as one would expect from Taschen.

The books could possibly be criticised for basically seeing a history of modern architecture from a European and North American perspective but I feel that these two books are to be considered in introduction to the subject and at the price quite a bargain. The ideal present for an architectural student or anyone who is just curious about why great modern buildings look the way they do.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best in Architectural Eye Candy, March 23, 2006

By	Marco Antonio Abarca (Colorado) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Architecture in the 20th Century (2 vols, slipcase) (Paperback)

First and foremost, this book is published by the German publishing company, Taschen. As a rule, if it is a Taschen architectural book it is going to be of very high quality and reasonably priced. This book proves the rule. It's a knock out.

As the title would suggest, this book is a survey of architecutre in the Twentieth Century. It's focus is on the great buildings of Northern Europe and United States. It is a greatest hit collection of the century's most iconic buildings. The text is well written and is geared towards the general reading public. However, what makes it so great is page after page of beautiful photographs. The only thing to keep in mind, is that this book is republished every few years with a new cover. Highly recommended.