Sydney Opera House - Philip Drew

Sydney Opera House (1957-73) is one of the best-known buildings of the late twentieth century and perhaps Australia's most potent landmark, its white shell-like forms inextricably linked with the image of Sydney itself. A momentous breakthrough for the architecture of its time, Jrn Utzon's building remains monumental in contemporary world architecture across the world.

Launched in 1991, the Architecture in Detail series attracted immediate acclaim and now comprises more than 60 titles. These books are highly collectable documents, each focusing in depth on a celebrated building.

The series covers all sides of the vast spectrum of architecture from the past, present and future; the individual buildings are selected for their exceptional character, innovative design or technical virtuosity.

Each volume contains a definitive text by a respected author; a sequence of color and black-and-white photographs; a series of technical drawings; and a set of essential working details. These titles are vital to every architectural library, appealing to the professional and student alike, or indeed anyone with an appreciation of buildings.

Philip Drew is an architectural writer and critic based in Australia. His previous books include Leaves of Iron, a monograph on the work of Glenn Murcutt.

'Phaidon's Architecture in Detail series is an exemplary publishing effort, each attractive square-format volume offering thorough sets of drawings, fine photography and brief but intelligent texts.' (Interior Design)

'This series from Phaidon is proving to be a visually indulgent, useful addition to the field of architectural publishing.' (The Art Book)

'As always, Phaidon's Architecture in Detail series is a treat with lavish new colour pictures and excellent plans.' (RIBA Journal)

'The Architecture in Detail series is without question one of the most beautifully illustrated and well-documented collections of monographs on individual buildings produced anywhere in the world. These beautifully produced books combine historical and contemporary photographs, drawings and texts by sensitive critics.' (AIA Jury)