This book contains some of the most important works created in the Art Deco style and cites many artists from various disciplines who helped make the period in which they lived a great source of inspiration. The term Art Deco embraces the art, style, fashion and a philosophy of life evident in the architecture, the artistic creations and everyday objects of the period. It developed in the years between the two world wars and is marked by the economic depression in 1929. But this darkness was exorcised by a prosperity manifest in all the bright contrasting colours, gold, silver, precious woods, sparkling crystal and exquisite textiles associated with Art Deco. The economic and social changes of the time, along with a new way of thinking were reflected in the dances, swing music, radio, cinema and theatre at the heart of Art Deco culture -as were the Metropolis--style special effects first featured in the futuristic 1927 film, and the creation of virtual worlds.