Gaud. The Complete Works

(Hardback)

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Description

The life of Antoni Gaud (1852-1926) was full of complexity and contradictions. As a young man he joined the Catalonian nationalist movement and was critical of the church; toward the end of his life he devoted himself completely to the construction of one single spectacular church, La Sagrada Familia. In his youth, he courted a glamorous social life and the demeanor of a dandy. By the time of his death in a tram accident on the streets of Barcelona his clothes were so shabby passersby assumed he was a beggar.

Gaud's incomparable architecture channels much of this multifaceted intricacy. From the shimmering textures and skeletal forms of Casa Batll to the Hispano-Arabic matrix of Casa Vicens, his work merged the influences of Orientalism, natural forms, new materials, and religious faith into a unique Modernista aesthetic. Today, his unique aesthetic enjoys global popularity and acclaim. His magnum opus, the Sagrada Familia, is the most-visited monument in Spain, and seven of his works are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Through brand-new photography, plans and drawings by Gaud himself, historical photos, as well as an appendix detailing all his works-from buildings to furniture, decor to unfinished projects-this book presents Gaud's universe like never before. Like a personal tour through Barcelona, we discover how the "Dante of architecture" was a builder in the truest sense of the word, crafting extraordinary constructions out of minute and mesmerizing details, and transforming fantastical visions into realities on the city streets.

Reviews

A personal tour through the shimmering streets of Barcelona. * independent.co.uk *
This book shows us the Catalan architect's universe as never before. * El Pas *
There is probably no better way to enter the mind of Gaud than through this book. * eldiario.es *
From Barcelona to beyond, TASCHEN's Gaud. The Complete Works is a must-have for anyone who has ever admired the fanciful work of this Catalan great. * we-heart.com *
A beautifully assembled book, allowing the reader to access the dramatic spaces, textures, colours and moods of Gaud's work. * Designing Ways *

Author Bio

Rainer Zerbst studied modern languages at the University of Tbingen and in Wales from 1969 to 1975. From 1976 to 1982 he worked as a research assistant in the Department of English at the University of Tbingen. Since completing his doctorate in 1982, Zerbst has been active as a critic in the fields of art, literature, and theater.