This is the most readable, beautiful, and comprehensive book ever published on one of the twentieth century s most influential architects. Known for the beauty and purity of his work, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe built remarkable houses, skyscrapers, museums, and multibuilding campuses. The clarity of his architecture belies the diversity of Mies s interests, which included philosophy and science as well as design, and Mertin s rigorous and accessible text gives the reader a clear description of all of the most important buildings as well as the intellectual contexts for their design.