Mid-Century Modern Design: A Complete Sourcebook

Unleashing a definitive guide to the captivating era of mid-century modern design and architecture, now more accessible and convenient in a compact form, this book is a treasure trove for collectors, design enthusiasts, and those intrigued by vintage aesthetics.

This meticulously curated survey immerses you in one of the most influential, dynamic, and avidly collected periods in design history. It traverses the vast landscape of mid-century style, encompassing a rich assortment of design domains – from furniture and lighting, ceramics and textiles, to graphic arts and posters, not to mention interior design and architecture. The book is an epic pictorial narrative, with over a thousand illustrations that embody classic designs along with rare finds that have slipped through the cracks of mainstream appreciation.

To provide a thorough understanding of the era, nearly a hundred principal creators are featured. Icons like Dieter Rams, Robin Day, Isamu Noguchi, Lucie Rie, Charles and Ray Eames, Alvar Aalto, and Oscar Niemeyer, among others, grace the pages of this design compendium. Further enhancing the book’s comprehensiveness, an illustrated dictionary sheds light on hundreds of more influential mid-century designers, manufacturers, organizations, schools, and movements.

The book is thoughtfully organized into three major parts: “Media and Masters”, presenting six sections dedicated to applied arts; “Houses and Interiors”, showcasing twenty seminal homes and their unique furnishings; and an extensive “A–Z of Designers and Makers”.

In addition to its pictorial wealth, the book features thirteen essays specially commissioned for this edition, each penned by a renowned expert in the field. These writings offer insightful perspectives and intriguing discussions that deepen the reader’s understanding of mid-century design.

This mid-century modern design encyclopedia is a must-have addition to any collector’s library. It is also an invaluable resource for design aficionados or anyone seeking inspiration to infuse their home with the timeless appeal of mid-century aesthetics.

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