Marcel Breuer: Sun and Shadow

Artist: Marcel Breuer 
Author: Marcel Breuer, Peter Blake (ed.) 
Publisher: Longmans, Green & Co 
Date: 1956 
Condition: From the first edition, hardback bound in the original green-grey linen, complete with original unclipped dust wrapper. The wrapper with some light wear, plus a few nicks and creases to the edges and a nick to the spine. The book in good clean and tight condition, apparently complete and unmarked, a little tanned to the edges.

Breuer's 1956 monograph is not only a useful and comprehensive survey of his work but rather than following the standard chronological progression usual for such publications, it looks at the underlying ideas behind the designs, crossing over from pure architecture to a more unified exposition of his vision. Including several statements from Breuer, transcribed from taped conversations, this book seems to have been envisioned as something of a definitive statement by the architect. Well-illustrated throughout in black and white, plus 8 coloured plates, and also with copious plans reproduced.

A very pleasing book, designed by the well-known and innovative graphic designer Alexey Brodovitch, this is still a key volume on one of the most influential architects of the c20th.