"This illustrated volume is the best of what international architectural experts have to offer: a convincing selection of the century's superlative architecture from the turn of the century to present day."--BOOK JACKET. "The buildings examined in this book, well-known today as icons of 20th century architecture, were considered spectacular in their own times for reasons ranging from stylistic innovation to technological breakthrough. New York City's Chrysler Building, Lloyd's of London, and the exciting new Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain - each of these structures, whether treasured or despised, has become a modern-day place of pilgrimage, and the stories behind their rise to iconic status have shed light on how we think about the built environment."--BOOK JACKET. "Each building is presented in a double-page spread with brilliant photographs, original drawings, and helpful plans. Texts written by recognized specialists describe each work's design features and historical significance."--Jacket.