If you are looking at this book, you probably already know that this is the most informative collection of Corbusier's work short of the Corbusier Archive. That said, I won't review the content.
I purchased the 'new' (1996) printing from Birkhauser. This seems to be the cheapest edition to be found, and the quality of the paper, images, and text support this. Birkhauser tends to make excellent books (check out the complete works series of Aalto, Herzog & DeMeuron, and Botta for proof), but I'm left a little confused by the modern feel to the paper, which the rustic quality of the image/print. I guess there is something to be said for a mid 1970's slightly yellowing gently read copy. That is if you can find one for less than a $1200.
Nevertheless, I highly recommend spending the $400 on this fantastic body of knowledge. You won't regret it for a second.
On a side note, Birkhauser's packaging is fantastic: even UPS and my not-so-gentle delivery man weren't able to damage the contents.
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Reviews with images
The definitive statement on Modern Architecture
While there have been many monographs of Le Corbusier, this is the definitive edition. It is the set of volumes that inspired everyone from Alvar Aalto to Zaha Hadid, shaping the way we look at Modern Architecture. There is a typo in the number of pages. This set is massive but it doesn't weigh in at 176,000 pages. The 8 volumes, about 200 pages each, were originally released individually from 1929 to 1969 with Boesinger and Stonorov working directly with Le Corbusier. These are the original drawings and photographs, so if you are looking for glossy prints of Corbu's more famous works, I suggest purchasing monographs by Kenneth Frampton or William Curtis, which have contemporary photos of his better known buildings. Also, much of the text is not translated, presented in the original French. You have to have a great appreciation for Corbu's work to consider such a purchase, but given how rare first editions are, not to mention expensive, this is the best price by far for this invaluable collection.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2005
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2006
The definitive statement on Modern Architecture
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2006
While there have been many monographs of Le Corbusier, this is the definitive edition. It is the set of volumes that inspired everyone from Alvar Aalto to Zaha Hadid, shaping the way we look at Modern Architecture. There is a typo in the number of pages. This set is massive but it doesn't weigh in at 176,000 pages. The 8 volumes, about 200 pages each, were originally released individually from 1929 to 1969 with Boesinger and Stonorov working directly with Le Corbusier. These are the original drawings and photographs, so if you are looking for glossy prints of Corbu's more famous works, I suggest purchasing monographs by Kenneth Frampton or William Curtis, which have contemporary photos of his better known buildings. Also, much of the text is not translated, presented in the original French. You have to have a great appreciation for Corbu's work to consider such a purchase, but given how rare first editions are, not to mention expensive, this is the best price by far for this invaluable collection.
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2006
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Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2005
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2012
Top reviews from other countries
David N. Esq
but what a brilliant sculptor, artist and conceptual planner
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 3, 2014