Le Corbusier: Le Grand

Imagine being able to sort through Le Corbusier's private archive on your own; his sketches, his private correspondence, his family picture album, his artwork and his original architectural drawings. This tome is like no other on Pe're Corbu that you have ever seen. This massive, [35 lb], volume is a wealth of original documents about Corbu - the man! There is very little in the way of hyper-academic text, publisher-prepared drawings and the same old stock photos of his work. There are so many photos of the architect that have never been published that one wonders if he had a photographer with him at all times. This work allows you to see his often stormy relationships with the press, government officials, friends, his family and other architects. For me this was a totaly unexpected format and in the beginning I was a little put off. I was especially puzzed by the myriad of hand written letters that are faithfully reproduced. Then I realized that the second small volume in the slipcase has the etxt of all these letters in translation. The more I looked at the material the more facinated I became. I realized that this allows a glimpse into the workings of a man, an artist and an architect unlike any architecture book I have ever seen. This book will not fit on your book-shelf and once you see it you will probably never let it leave your coffee table. For me this book is in-expensive at twice the price. You won't be sorry.

The July 5, 2008 review makes a good case for this book. The format is daunting due to its size, but the photos and text are large and easy to "take in". In some ways it is like a scrapbook, as it has images that are related to Le Corbusier (French ID card, letters to/from people) as a person. It touches on the entire range of his life: social, architect/artist/sculptor/inventor, bookmaker, traveler, etc.A complete bibliography of books ON him would have been a nice addition. There is a complete bibliography of the 35 books he published, but the biblio by others is weak.

With as many Corb books as I already own I could not imagine that I needed another one until I saw this one. I would classify this as more of an illustrated biography, including a great deal of personal correspondence. The book gives you a picture of the man (as well as his work) that I have not seen in any of the academic texts covering his life. Outstanding printing quality, definitely worth having.

If you are a fan of LeCorbusier and his work, this book is highly recommended. While most books tend to obviously focus on his architecture, Le Grand offers very personal insight into the life of LeCorbusier. From his childhood in Switzerland through his last commissions, the reader is offered a glimpse into the mind of LeCorbusier through unseen sketches, written recordings, notes to clients, and amazing photographs depicting an array of events ranging construction images to ribbon cuttings to LeCorbusier enjoying time on the beach in southern France. Aside from the Sketchbook Series, this is the single best volume on LeCorbusier which I have come across.

it's of course a great book. so much information, images, artwork of corbu. but one problem, as it says, it's "le grand" it is so big and thick that it really needs to be displayed on it's own table so that you can see it. otherwise if you stick it on a book shelf, you will never lug it out to look at it.

******** Its a fantastic classic book although very heavy book it will be lasting for a very very long time i`m pretty sure of it

the book is all inclusive in covering this man's accomplishments. Have his furniture so it goes well on the coffee table, but you better have a strong table because this book is very heavy

great man

excellent

Something to cherish

All good

Le Corbusier was one of the most influential modernist architect in the 20th century. The book is well illustrated and the photographs support all the key events in his life. It is a documentary about his life and work. His sketches, I believe are reproduced in their original sizes. This book will certainly engage you with the Grand Master's life.

Beaucoup beaucoup de photos et de textes, notamment manuscrits, hyper intéressant et pas uniquement réservé aux amoureux du maitre. +