Wiseman Carter - I.M. Pei a profile in American architecture [New York 1990].

New York 1990/ Inc.Publishers/ first edition/ publisher's binding, linen with paper wrapper/ 23x28cm/s.320/ 335 illustrations including 60 color illustrations/ good condition, dustwrappings, minor scratches to wrapper, minor staining on upper page trim

M. Pei designed some of the most elegant and powerful buildings of the 20th century, such as the rigorously geometric East Building of the National Gallery in Washington, D.C., the ornate Fragrant Hill Hotel in Beijing and the modern pyramid for the Louvre in Paris. In more than four decades as an architect, Pei worked with a number of prominent clients (from Paul Mellon to François Mitterrand), was involved in many dramatic and controversial projects, and won all the major awards in his field. In addition, his personal story is moving - it's a classic tale of a newcomer to America who achieves great artistic and personal success (he is among a select group of foreigners who received the country's Medal of Freedom).

M. Pei: A Profile in American Architecture is the first full-scale study of the life and work of this exceptional artist. Illustrated from the extensive Pei archives of Cobb Freed & Partners, the book charts Pei's progress from his birth in China in 1917, through every milestone in his career, to his unique position today. The author, renowned architecture critic Carter Wiseman, has supplemented extensive and meticulous research with many hours of interviews with Pei, his family and his associates. He focuses his text on twelve buildings particularly significant to Pei's career and, whether discussing the Kennedy Library, the Louvre or the Meyerson Symphony Center, carefully considers the architectural, sociological and personal dimensions of the project. We see how Pei's artistic vision came to be, how smoothly he met the demands of each new situation and client, and how his charismatic personality influenced events.