The Curves of Time: Oscar Niemeyer Memoirs
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Book Overview
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.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0714840076
ISBN13:9780714840079
Release Date:January 2000
Publisher:Phaidon Press
Length:192 Pages
Weight:0.05 lbs.
Dimensions:1.0" x 7.0" x 10.0"
Age Range:13 years and up
Grade Range:Grade 8 to Postsecondary
Customer Reviews
1 rating
Niemeyer looks back
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Niemeyer looks back in a non-linear fashion at his life, which spans most of the 20th century. He talks about his friendships with presidents, musicians, radicals, architects and drunkards, stressing the things that made them most human. A good read, not only for architecture fans but for anyone who is interested in Brazil. The translator includes detailed footnotes explaining the names, places and buildings. I found it surprising to find out what a Bohemian Niemeyer is and the delight he has in telling stories of adventures with his pals in Brazilian brothels. He mentions Henry Miller as one of his favorite writers and at times the influence is evident (although Niemeyer is too classy to go into sordid detail). A poignant read by an atheist who knows the end is near and is admitedly afraid of death, who values family and friendship above art.
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