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Summary
Summary
Jill Rubalcaba tells the conflict-ridden stories behind six of Pei's most celebrated buildings, all turning points in Pei's distinguished career: National Center for Atmospheric Research (Boulder, CO), John F. Kennedy Presidential Library (Boston, MA), National Gallery of Art, East Building (Washington, DC), Fragrant Hill Hotel (near Forbidden City, China), Louvre (Paris, France), and the Miho Museum (Japan). Each story, illustrated with drawings, architectural plans, and photographs, follows Pei on his journey-from his search for design inspiration, through the trials of construction, to the finished project. Although Pei claims that he does not have a stylistic signature, his buildings are identified by geometric form and minimalist beauty, an integral relationship with their natural surroundings, and a profound respect for the past while exceeding the needs of those who utilize them, His architectural sensibilities and achievements have made Pei one of the premier architects of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Pei once explained his approach as requiring "a full understanding of the three essential elements--time, place, purpose--to arrive at an ideal balance." Pei's awards, buildings, a timeline, notes, suggested reading, and websites are also included.
Reviews (5)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up-Incorporating biographical information and architectural history, Rubalcaba presents a portrait of the Pritzker Prize winner, trained in the Beaux-Arts style, but profoundly influenced by modernist structures of Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius. Early chapters focus on Pei's childhood, education, and first architectural assignments and are followed by discussions of his celebrated buildings, from the National Center for Atmospheric Research to the addition to the Louvre Museum. These latter chapters consider site and structural challenges, inspirations (from Pei's family ancestral gardens in China to Pueblo cliff dwellings), controversies, as well as the architect's approach to the projects, stamped with his "love of geometry, passion for history, and.minimalist touch." The design of Pei, which features a clean, spacious layout and attractive fonts, is worthy of its subject. Reproductions of the architect's sketches and plans are included, as well as black-and-white and color photos of people, sites, and site models, which are framed in sharp architectural lines. Much in the same vein as readers might image the "surprises" Pei built into his designs, the author often waits until the end of chapters to unveil photos of the architect's always innovative, always spectacular buildings. An illustrated time line, a list of a "few" (32) of the honors Pei has received, and other useful resources conclude the book. While libraries that own Louise Chipley Slavicek's I.M. Pei (Chelsea House, 2010) may not need an additional title on the man, this book would enhance any collection.-Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Rubalcaba (Digging for Troy) devotes one chapter each to seven architectural projects by the Chinese-born American architect I.M. Pei, adding chapters on his early life and other work; any one of them could have been the subject of its own book. Rubalcaba faithfully chronicles the trials Pei undergoes to complete each project, using color photographs and architectural plans to help tell the story. The architect endures hostility from Parisians when he redesigns the Louvre, and suspicion from Americans when he designs the East Wing of the National Gallery. He reconceives skyscraper construction methods in Hong Kong, scrubs the floors before a hotel opening in China, and convinces an heiress in Japan to assemble an art collection to fill the museum he designs for her. "His versatility and skill in the use of materials approach the level of poetry," said the committee that awarded him the treasured Pritzker Architecture Prize. A caveat: wide blocks of text and small type can be difficult to wade through. But readers who make the effort will come away with enormous respect for Pei. Ages 12-up. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
This handsome volume, extensively illustrated with clear photographs and some architectural drawings, gives a personalized account of the career of the Chinese-born superstar architect. The informative text focuses on Pei's major projects including Boston's Kennedy Library; the National Gallery of Art, East Building, in Washington, D.C.; and the subterranean addition to the Louvre, with its distinctive pyramid entrance. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Copyright 2010 of The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
Every Bone Tells a Story (2010), has crafted an elegant work that combines sparkling text with graceful design. Carefully chosen photographs both support and add to the narrative, as do project sketches and floor plans. The layout is eye catching yet sophisticated, but the book is nevertheless entirely readable and accessible to young readers. An exquisite package, much like one of Pei's buildings. (timeline, bibliography, source notes, index, suggestions for further reading, listings of building projects, awards) (Nonfiction. 12 up) ]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
*Starred Review* This handsome book introduces the life and work of architect I. M. Pei. Born in China, he came to the U.S. in 1935 to study architecture. Though he never returned to his homeland to live, his later work expressed cultural and artistic values absorbed during his childhood in addition to his education as an architect and the strong influence of Corbusier. After discussing Pei's early work in urban redevelopment, Rubalcaba focuses on seven later projects around the world: the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, the East Building of the National Gallery of Art, the Fragrant Hill Hotel, the Bank of China, the redesigned Louvre, and the Miho Museum. Each chapter looks at Pei's approach to one project, the challenges he encountered, and how he achieved his vision for the building. Illustrations include sketches, site models, and photos. Back matter includes a time line, a bibliography, source notes for quotes, and lists of suggested books and websites. Like Pei's buildings, the book's design has a clean aesthetic that is spacious, functional, and inviting. Color is used sparingly but effectively. The wide, white pages carry well-spaced lines of type, with red chapter headings, page numbers, and linear borders for illustrations. A fascinating introduction to this significant architect.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist
