Le Corbusier and the tragic view of architecture

by Charles Jencks

Traces the modern architect's career, and examines his view of truth and the human condition as evidenced in his architectural designs, paintings, and writings.

Genres: Architecture

198 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Charles Alexander Jencks (born 21 June 1939) is an American architecture theorist and critic, landscape architect and designer. His books on the history and criticism of modernism and postmodernism are widely read in architectural circles. He studied under the influential architectural historians Sigfried Giedion and Reyner Banham. Jencks now lives in Scotland where he designs landscape sculpture.

Reviews

[Mellon Collie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Supongo que esta bien para alguien que quiera un pantallazo general de la vida y obra de Le Corbusier. No es exhaustivo de su producción (de hecho me quedé con muchas ganas de ver sus pinturas) y tal vez entra mucho en el chusmerio.

[Sean Billy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been looking for a biography of Le Corbusier for about a month. I chose this one from a used book store in Bondi, Australia cause after reading a few pages I saw that it had more of the personal account of Corb's life combined with his professional work. I really liked Jencks writing and thought the book opened a new understanding of Corb for me. I only wished it could have been a lot more comprehensive. Jencks also has a title called: "Le Corbusier and the Continual Revolution in Architecture." it looks like it would def be more comprehensive and was published in 2000 vs. my 1975 edition of "The Tragic View of Architecture."

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

(and Andrei cringes...) I think Jencks's well-researched effort is an engaging read. I guess I would recommend the recent expanded edition with a different name ( Continual Revolution I believe it is) but I won't read it...because I already read the old, shorter version before I realized they were basically the same. Who has time for re-mixes I ask you.