This thorough review of Le Corbusier (1887-1965), an inescapable force in 20th-century architecture, draws on masses of documentation now available and on a close viewing of the buildings themselves. Curtis has published several works on the architect, and this is a largely successful overview of the entire oeuvre, linking Le Corbusier's ideas and philosophy to the buildings. It is a carefully considered book, based on extensive thought and study of the vast documentation, addressed to the advanced student of modernism. Though the text at times is dense, the structure of the book is very clear and the design and layout are thoughtful and sympathetic. Highly recommended. Jack Perry Brown, Art Inst. of Chicago Libs. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
