About the book
In this first ever English-language edition of Oscar Niemeyer's
memoirs, the architect reveals how his many passions - among them his
large family, many friends, the sensuous landscape of Brazil, women,
Communism, art and literature - have all influenced his life and in turn
inspired his architecture.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Niemeyer
graduated from the National School of Fine Arts in 1934. As a student he
worked in the office of Lucio Costa, and on graduation he began
collaborating with Le Corbusier on a new Ministry of Education and
Health Building in Rio. Yet, in contrast to the International Style,
Niemeyer's curvilinear forms reflected Brazil's lush, undulating
landscape and the emotive style of its music and dance.
Here
Niemeyer recounts his life in an informal, fluid narrative that moves
from his childhood in Rio, through to friendships with intellectuals and
politicians such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Fidel Castro, to tales of
adventurous road trips. The book includes 40 specially-made sketches by
Niemeyer, a chronology of his notes and an index.
