In his six-decade career as a Bauhaus teacher and furniture maker, as a collaborator with Walter Gropius in London and Cambridge, and as head of his own office in New York, Breuer deserves to be ranked with the great 20th-century formgivers. And yet he never did achieve the fame of Mies, though he was far more prolific and humane, or of Gropius, though he was a much better designer. If he is remembered today it is for the Whitney Museum in Manhattan, the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, and his modern houses in New England; however, as this comprehensive survey shows, there was much more-mostly forgotten and quite out of fashion. This eloquent, handsomely illustrated volume may help to shift public perceptions and stir admiration for the architect's tough, sculptural take on modernism.

The book tells a fascinating story about Breuer's contributions to modern architecture, and it's difficult to put it down once you start reading. The author has crafted a superb, engagingly written-as well as information packed- volume.

Gatje has woven a great insider's story about Breuer and his creative processes, including the structuring and daily operations of Breuer's architectural offices while they were engaged in a variety of trend-setting projects. He candidly discusses project development politics from drafting room-to client-to the ministerial levels of foreign governments. The long, often arduous, journey from master plan to project completion is graphically portrayed by a number of examples. Also discussed are highlights in the personal and professional lives of Breuer and the many persons intimately involved in his work.

Breuer was one of the brilliant professionals living in our generation. The book should be of interest to technical and business professionals as well as lay readers, an unusual quality.

An in-depth analysis of collaborated works between Marcel Breur & Herbert Beckhard through their professional lives together. They are conveyed as architects who get along well with one another both professionally & personally. Marcel Breur is depicted as an architect that didn't want to force his idea upon his clients but respecting their wishes despite in some instances, that compromised with his vision of how the final outcome should be like. Ironically, thru interaction with his clients that his greatest works are produced which are discussed in detail in this book. A chapter is dedicated for every & each houses that are worth mentioning. We are told of Japanese influence upon their work, the usage of natural material in their works i.e the international style buildings which are rampant during their time. All the works are displayed in black & white photos but towards the end, colour photos are shown & that's when everything hit you as you're able to see the buildings from the other perspective. Morevoer, building layouts are provided as well. I guess the exclusion of colour in the beginning is enabling us to appreciate the form more rather than been confused with the detraction, ie. colour. To be honest, it works well in this instance. I also enjoy the layout of the book. It is easy to read, and informative. In a way, this is a semi-biography book of those 2 famous architects. Towards the end, it's heart touching to read about Herbert's reflection on the day when Marcel handed him a note, wanted him to announce to the firm that he would be retiring thereafter. It's interesting also to read about Richard Meier's beginning in Marcel's firm as well.

So many architectural books can get lost in jargon, but this one never does. It's extremely readable, and its insights into the work and careers of Marcel Breuer and Herbert Beckhard are always on point and thought-provoking. The book also happens to be handsomely produced, with lots of back-and-white and color photographs of their finished work. This book is essential, I think, as a reference, and a pleasure to read throughout.