From Library Journal
Abrams first published Wiseman's study of I.M. Pei in 1990, and this revised edition adds projects that Pei completed from 1990 to 2001, during which he designed three major museums, completed his work on the Louvre, and gave us the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Pei was also thinking small as he aged, taking on commissions and building a harmony that played out in dramatic forms that match their purpose. Former architecture critic for New York magazine and a contributing editor of ArtNews, Wiseman (Twentieth-Century American Architecture) presents a thoughtful and detailed look at Pei and his work, along with 65 full-color illustrations and many more in black and white. Wiseman is equally interested in the architect's designs, his persona, and the place of his buildings in a sociological context. A weakness, however, is that he does not look back to look forward; that is, he does not offer critiques of the pre-1990 buildings to suggest whether some have lost an edge or gained new power in the ten years hence. Wiseman is very much taken by Pei and pays tribute to the man and his work in this thorough retrospective. Recommended. David Bryant, New Canaan Lib., CT Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
"Beautifully illustrated . . . handsomely produced . . . highly informative." -Choice I. M. Pei has designed some of the world's most elegant and powerful buildings. The revised edition of Abrams' 1990 book features a new chapter that covers Pei's work between 1990 and 2001-a flurry of creativity that included commissions for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the final phases of work on the Louvre, and museums in Luxembourg, Germany, and Japan. Dozens of color photographs present Pei's buildings in all their splendid variety, while scores of revealing drawings, plans, and models, as well as personal and documentary photographs, make this the only comprehensive record of the work of an architectural giant, one who has won every important honor in his field. 356 illustrations, 65 in full color, 42 line drawings, 340 pages, 83/4 x 11"


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.

ANNOTATION

375 illustrations, 60 in full color, 320 pages, 8-3/4 x 11"

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

Abrams first published Wiseman's study of I.M. Pei in 1990, and this revised edition adds projects that Pei completed from 1990 to 2001, during which he designed three major museums, completed his work on the Louvre, and gave us the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Pei was also thinking small as he aged, taking on commissions and building a harmony that played out in dramatic forms that match their purpose. Former architecture critic for New York magazine and a contributing editor of ArtNews, Wiseman (Twentieth-Century American Architecture) presents a thoughtful and detailed look at Pei and his work, along with 65 full-color illustrations and many more in black and white. Wiseman is equally interested in the architect's designs, his persona, and the place of his buildings in a sociological context. A weakness, however, is that he does not look back to look forward; that is, he does not offer critiques of the pre-1990 buildings to suggest whether some have lost an edge or gained new power in the ten years hence. Wiseman is very much taken by Pei and pays tribute to the man and his work in this thorough retrospective. Recommended. David Bryant, New Canaan Lib., CT Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal