The Curves of Time: Oscar Niemeyer Memoirs

by Oscar Neimeyer and Oscar Niemeyer

Book Overview

In this first ever English-language edition of Oscar Niemeyer's memoirs, the architect reveals how his many passions - among them his large family, many friends, the sensuous landscape of Brazil, women, Communism, art and literature - have all influenced his life and in turn inspired his architecture. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Niemeyer graduated from the National School of Fine Arts in 1934. As a student he worked in the office of Lucio Costa, and on...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0714840076
• ISBN13: 9780714840079
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Phaidon Press
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 7.0" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Niemeyer looks back

Niemeyer looks back in a non-linear fashion at his life, which spans most of the 20th century. He talks about his friendships with presidents, musicians, radicals, architects and drunkards, stressing the things that made them most human. A good read, not only for architecture fans but for anyone who is interested in Brazil. The translator includes detailed footnotes explaining the names, places and buildings. I found it surprising to find out what a Bohemian Niemeyer is and the delight he has in telling stories of adventures with his pals in Brazilian brothels. He mentions Henry Miller as one of his favorite writers and at times the influence is evident (although Niemeyer is too classy to go into sordid detail). A poignant read by an atheist who knows the end is near and is admitedly afraid of death, who values family and friendship above art.