LE CORBUSIER LE GRAND is the only book you'll ever need on the world's most influential architect.

''He is the Leonardo of our time.'' - Eero Saarinen, ''He has provided enough for a whole generation to live on.'' - Walter Gropius, ''The world's greatest architect.'' - Oscar Niemeyer, ''Without question No. 1.'' - Philip Johnson.

Le Corbusier (1887-1965) is known as of one of the giants of twentieth-century architecture and design. The Swiss-born, self-named architect was not only the creator of some of the most impressive buildings of the last century, he was also an accomplished painter, sculptor, furniture designer, urbanist, and author. His work and social theories continue to be a dominant force today, and his elegant manner, typified by his iconic round black eyeglasses, is still the signature look for architects around the world. Only a book grand in size could encapsulate such a legendary figure.

Phaidon Press is pleased to announce the publication of LE CORBUSIER LE GRAND, a spectacular visual biography of the life and work of the father of Modern architecture. This massive book is packed with 2,000 images and documents, many rare or previously unpublished. Drawing on an array of archival materials, "Le Corbusier Le Grand" depicts in roughly chronological order not only the vast and varied output of Le Corbusier, but also the major events, people, and forces that shaped the life of an artist who continues to fascinate those in and outside the architectural world.

Table of Contents

Introductory essay by Jean-Louis CohenChapter introductions by Tim Benton1: Childhood and the Wander Years (1887-1917)2: Becoming Le Corbusier (1917-1924)3: Industrial Icons and White Villas (1920-1930)4: In Search of the Big Commission (1925-1940)5: Politics and Persuasion (1939-1945)6: Reconstruction (1943-1950)7: Passage to India (1951-1958)8: The Sacred and the Sublime (1950-1960)9: Mediterranean Days (1950-1965)10: Remorse and Retrospection (1960-1965)ChronologyCast of CharactersBibliographyIndex