La Tour de 300 Metres

September 27, 2009 @ 3:19 pm

la-tour-de-300-metres

I came across the most wonderful architecture book I’ve ever seen at Left Bank Books. It’s called La Tour de 300 Metres and it’s a highly detailed book about the construction of the Eiffel Tower. TASCHEN is known for making large-format books and I believe this is one of their best. At $100+, it’s quite expensive, but every page of this book is worth the price. There are countless diagrams, architectural drawings, archival photos, and more all featured in high detail.

As far as I know, the book is pretty rare to come by so if you ever see it, please take some time to look through it (or purchase it). I didn’t see it at the TASCHEN store but if you are the least bit curious, you can pick up a copy at Amazon.com for $101 or get it on sale at this store for $79.

Check out the images below (courtesy of MTS).

Chinese Propaganda Posters

March 16, 2009 @ 9:40 pm

chinese-propaganda-posters-cover

I just received Chinese Propaganda Posters (TASCHEN) today and I’m sitting down with it now and enjoying the wonderful collection of posters and Chinese artwork inside.

The book is a 240-page, full-color work of art in and of itself.  It is multi-lingual (German, English, French, and Chinese) but keeps the words at a minimum allowing the viewer to fully be immersed in the artwork. I can’t read any of the Chinese on the posters themselves, but that doesn’t hinder me from loving it and getting all sorts of inspiration from it. And for just over $10, this might be a great present for any traditional art-lover — Chinese or not.

Check out some of the pages below.