Mid-Century Modern Design: A Complete Sourcebook

by Dominic Bradbury

Essential reading for all collectors and design aficionados, this book is the ultimate survey of mid- century modern design and architecture now available in a sleek, compact form. A definitive survey of mid-century modern design and architecture in an accessible compact edition, this book offers a rich overview of one of the most popular, collectable, and dynamic periods of design. With rich and diverse examples of everything from furniture and lighting to ceramics and textiles to graphics and posters to interior design and architecture, this sleek compendium of mid-century style includes over 1,000 illustrations representing classic designs and little-seen rarities, as well as entries on nearly 100 major creators, such as Dieter Rams, Robin Day, Isamu Noguchi, Lucie Rie, Charles and Ray Eames, Alvar Aalto, and Oscar Niemeyer. An additional illustrated dictionary features hundreds more influential mid-century designers, manufacturers, organizations, schools, and movements. Organized into three parts―“Media and Masters,” with six sections on applied arts; “Houses and Interiors,” featuring twenty seminal homes and their furnishings; and an “A–Z of Designers and Makers”―and complete with thirteen specially commissioned essays by renowned experts, this illustrated book is a must-have for collectors, design aficionados, and anyone seeking inspiration for their home. 1,000 illustrations

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Art, Architecture, Interior Design, Art Design

544 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010

Reviews

[Karen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, this is a stunner. This the last part of my Waitangi weekend indulgence. My ambition is a mid-century home/apartment furnished accordingly. Meanwhile, I read and admire, and how.

[Arlene S]

Exact edition not listed here on GR. The edition from public library is titled Mid-Century Modern Design: A Complete Sourcebook ( @ 2014 and 2020 ). True, it is very complete, lots of illustrations and alphabetical index of major designers and makers by name.

[Mandy Crumb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is all encompassing and huge! It covers house types, ceramics, lights, glass, furniture and more! The biographies of each person featured were not the traditional dry boring biography. Bradbury described one person as a dandy and a showcase who enjoyed taking erotic photos. Love it!

[J.souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE book for anyone that loves mid-century design.

It's perfectly arranged in categories that cover everything design related: chairs, posters, interior design, product design. Also in every chapter you'll get a profile of the top professionals of the field and their creations.

Easily one of the best books in my colection. 10/10

[Hansel5]

Saw this on a shelf in the library. It's a terrific reference resource. With well presented essays on each discipline, furniture, fabrics, ceramics, lighting, etc. Also designer bios are found.
Very good guide.

[DuMont Buchverlag · Rating 5 out of 5]

• Wer das Design der Gegenwart verstehen will, muss dieses Buch lesen
• Ausführliche Darstellungen der wichtigsten Designer und Werke der Zeit
• mit ca. 1000 farbigen Abbildungen

[Catie Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a version of this with a different cover & it was fabulous.

[Patrice Doten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough. Great photos and lots of detailed information.

[Erin Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thinking Day Finland 2025