Eero Saarinen

"The tragic, premature death of 51-year-old Eero Saarinen shocked and saddened the world; but the legacy left by this truly creative artist will long continue to enrich our lives. In addition to the outstanding designs for such familiar buildings as the General Motors Technical Center, the M.I.T. chapel and auditorium, and the recently dedicated T.W.A. terminal at Idlewild, we still look forward to construction of the splendid projects which were nearing completion when his career was so abruptly terminated. The C.B.S. skyscraper in New York City, the Jefferson Westward Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, and the international jet airport outside of Washington, will be among the major architectural projects of this decade. Mr. Temko's introduction to Eero Saarinen's life and work is a moving appreciation of one of America's great men. The son of another fine architect, Eliel Saarinen, young Eero was united with his father in a partnership broken only by the elder Saarinen's death in 1950. Growing up in a sensitive and highly cultured family, young Eero, from his earliest years, was encouraged to create and appreciate fine work. He also became imbued with the conviction, dedication, and integrity which are so clearly evidenced in all his works. Because Saarinen's major buildings are not concentrated in one urban center, it is difficult - if not impossible - to gain a first-hand knowledge of the body of his work. In this volume are assembled illustrations ranging from his youthful drawings and plans in Finland and Michigan, through the diverse projects of America, to the foreign embassies and furniture designs which have also contributed to his fame. Through them, it is possible to become acquainted not only with his completed works, but also with his buildings of the future." --