Biographical note:

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.

Main description:

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. Seven chapters are entirely new, including expanded coverage of 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, tracing the creative interaction between old and new that has generated such an astonishing richness of architectural forms across the world and throughout the century.

Review quote:

"The book is excellent value." – Architects’ Journal

"As close to a definitive guide to the architecture of our century as we yet have." – Sunday Times

"A book of this length and depth is an unimaginable achievement. . ." – Building Design

"Comprehensive, up‐to‐date and very readable." – Sunday Telegraph

"This should be a standard volume in all architecture collections." – Library Journal

"The clearest and most authentic survey to appear in English. . . Essential reading, indeed breathtaking reading" – Architecture New Zealand