I.M. Pei: Mandarin of Modernism

by Michael Cannell

The first biography of an amazing modern master whose architectural vision and political skill have shaped our environment. Michael Cannell reveals here the history and personality behind the enigmatic Pei, our most famous living architect. 90 black-and-white photographs.

Genres: Architecture, Biography, Nonfiction, Asian American

402 pages, Hardcover

First published November 7, 1995

About the author

Michael Cannell is the author of five non-fiction books:

Blood and the Badge: The Mafia, Two Killer Cops, and a Scandal That Shocked the Nation

A Brotherhood Betrayed: The Man Behind the Rise and Fall of Murder, Inc.

Incendiary: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber and the Invention of Criminal Profiling

The Limit: Life and Death on the 1961 Grand Prix Circuit

I.M Pei: Mandarin of Modernism.

Michael edited the House & Home section of The New York Times for seven years. He has contributed to The New Yorker, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated and many other publications. He is a graduate of Princeton and the Columbia University Schoo of Journalism.

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to all who have interest in architecture, creativity, city life and development. I worked in one of Pei's buildings, and witnessed another fall apart. I'm surprised at how many others I am familiar with. The author weaves a story from not only Pei's works but also his relationships with those for whom and with whom he worked. Throughout is the clash of American and Chinese culture. So glad I found it.

[Mahmoud Istanbouli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well written, it discussed important projects of I.M.PEI while giving detailed background information. Including decisions, events and explanations on designs.

What I liked most about this book is how the author ties I.M.PEI work with his life and background as well as what is was like to work with I.M. PEI. The last chapter: A Certain Age was my favourite chapter. The draw back from the detailed information the author provides is that at times it felt that the chapter became more about the events happening at the time than the project or I.M.PEI.

Overall if you want to learn more about I.M.PEI; what he was like, what influenced him or just want to get into the world of modernist architecture in 21st century this is a good start. As the author mentions a few other architects and projects.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to know his family and childhood in Suzhou and Shanghai, and the bravery to chase his modernism dream. Great balance between empathy with the client and keep his own professional ideas & arguments.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive review of Pei's career from the beginning, through some of the problems and all the triumphs. The detailed photographs add to the narrative.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging read, though dry at times. An honest look at the whole person, positives and negatives. Besides the insight to the life of a modern icon, also a primer to modern architecture- its development and its major players.

[Sue Kozlowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non-fiction. Provides information on his childhood to adulthood.