LeCorbusier and the Tragic View of Architecture

In this stimulating book Charles Jencks discusses Le Corbusier’s career from its early beginnings in Switzerland to the final international years, setting his private life and public image, his theories and his buildings, his paintings and his propaganda in relationship with one another.

And he finds the explanation for the belligerence of this prophet of harmony to be his tragic Nietzschean view of the human condition, with conflict as the key to creation and joy.

The book contains much fresh information and is fully illustrated with photographs some of which are published here for the first time. Making no concessions to idolators (nor to detractors) of Le Corbusier’s genius, it is one of the first truly dispassionate investigations of his work to appear since the great architect’s death.