Monument Builders: Modern Architecture and Death

Rating:
Summary: Superb; excellent look at the "architecture of death"
Review: Edwin Heathcote continues his excellent series of books portraying noteworthy architectural marvels, this time looking at monuments and memorials to the dead. After reading two other "Builders" books ("Airport Builders" and "Church Builders") I am now three times impressed.

The first third of "Monument Builders" contains a very good description of the evolution of the "architecture of death," touching on the necropolis, various forms of ancient tombs, and the different manifestations of modernism, including expressionism, cubism and other applications pertaining to war memorials. It's a fine recounting of the history, architectural style and attitudes toward remembering the dead.

The remainder of the book focuses on specific architectural projects with several pages of text supplemented by superb photos, plan drawings and renderings in the first-rate style which typifies Mr. Heathcote's work in this series of books. In most cases, it's one monument per architect; however, an occasional pleasant deviation results in the exposition of several creations by a given architect. I reiterate: the photograpic work is incredible.

Again, true to form, Academy Editions has published a solid volume on quality paper, suitable for library or coffee table.