Reyner Banham (1922–1988)

This is a beautiful celebration of Southern California and its architecture. It was published around 1980. It’s certainly not up to date, but it’s rare in that it “gets” Los Angeles. This is the city of unique style that I grew up in and not the plastic dystopia that is often portrayed.

Illuminating on early 20th century art, design and architecture, especially De Stjil and Bauhaus. Dense with references so keep Google handy.

Rare and very influential 1st UK Edition book detailing numerous key Brutalist buildings from around the world, but mostly Europe and the UK in particular. Profusely illustrated with photos and plans, including various buildings by Le Corbusier, Alison and Peter Smithson, James Stirling and James Gowan, Denys Lasdun, Basil Spence and Owen Luder.