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International Style Books

INTERNATIONAL STYLE

The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back. 

Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings. 

“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture

The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.

“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design. 

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Style: International Style
Jasper Johns by Mark Rosenthal, Museum Edition Trade Paperback, 1988
Located in Philadelphia, PA
“Jasper Johns, Work Since 1974 ” by Mark Rosenthal, a Museum Edition Trade paperback, from the 1988 exhibition mounted at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Jasper Johns (born May 15, ...
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1980s American Vintage International Style Books

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The Most Beautiful Gardens in the World, Hardcover Book, 2004
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Most Beautiful Gardens in the World, Hardcover – 1st Edition. by Alain Le Toquin (Photographer), Jacques Bosser (Contributor) A pictorial tour of thirty-two public and private gardens celebrates their history and diversity and includes Majorelle in Morocco, the Versailles gardens...
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Early 2000s American International Style Books

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People, Passions, Pastimes, and Pleasures: Staffordshire Figures, 1810-1835
Located in Philadelphia, PA
People, Passions, Pastimes, and Pleasures: Staffordshire Figures 1810-1835 – by Myrna Schkolne. First Edition 2006, limited to a run of 1000. The first comprehensive collectors’ r...
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Early 2000s American International Style Books

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Bonhams & Butterfield Furniture and Decorative Arts Auction Catalogue, 2004
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An auction catalogue from the Bonhams & Butterfield New York sale of 20th century furniture and decorative arts. The sale featured a wonderful collection of Art Deco furniture and...
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21st Century and Contemporary American International Style Books

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Antique Investigator Book, Judith Miller 2007 First American Edition with Jacket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antiques investigator, tips and tricks to help you find the real deal for antiques and collectibles, written by the UK antiques expert Judith Miller. ...
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21st Century and Contemporary American International Style Books

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White Ironstone Ceramics Reference Book by Dawn Stoltzfus 1st Edition Paperback
Located in Philadelphia, PA
White ironstone, a survey of its many forms: Undecorated, flow blue, mulberry, copper lustre by Dawn Stoltzfus and Jeffrey Snyder 1st Edition Paperback 1997, A collectors' re...
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21st Century and Contemporary American International Style Books

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Pistils - Robert Mapplethorpe, Photography Hardcover Cased Book 1st Edition 1996
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pistils, Photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe with an Essay by John Ashbery. Hardcover in case and dust jacket – 1st Edition, 1996 Robert Mapplethorpe began taking photographs i...
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1990s American International Style Books

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Anselm Kiefer by Mark Rosenthal, Museum Edition Trade Paperback, 1987
By Anselm Kiefer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
“Anselm Kiefer” by Mark Rosenthal– a Museum Edition Trade paperback from the 1987 exhibition mounted in Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, and the MOMA in New York. Anselm Kiefer ...
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1980s American Vintage International Style Books

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Viva Picasso: a Centennial Celebration 1881-1981 Hardcover Book with Jacket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Viva Picasso: a Centennial Celebration 1881-1981 Hardcover – May 1, 1981 – by David Douglas Duncan A photography book showing Duncan’s photographs of...
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1980s American Vintage International Style Books

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Paper

Andre Lurcat: Projets Et Réalisations
Located in New York, NY
Monograph on the work of Andre Lurcat, important French modernist architect, designer, urban planner, and younger brother of the textile artist Jean. ...
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1920s French Vintage International Style Books

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Hidcote the Garden and Lawrence Johnston, National Trust Book
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Title: HIDCOTE THE GARDEN AND LAWRENCE JOHNSTON. Published by The National Trust, 2007. Hardcover with jacket. Often described as “the most beautiful garden in England,” Hidcote is...
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Early 2000s English International Style Books

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Design-For-Today, Rare Modernist Magazine, Complete Bound Set, 1933 to 1935, UK
Located in London, GB
Design-For-Today, a short lived modernist avant-garde magazine, 1933 to 1935, UK. A rare and hard to come by complete bound set. Articles, images, designs by British architects and designers, as well as emigres ones . Gerald Summers, Wells Coates, Marcel Breuer, Alvar and Aino Aalto, Walter Gropius, László Moholy-Nagy, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Ben Nicholson, Betty Joel, Serge Chermayeff, Keith Murray, Charles Boyton, Ronald Grierson...
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20th Century British International Style Books

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Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary Architecture, Collectible Book in Ghost Carry Case
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture is a global survey of the most outstanding works of contemporary architecture from around the world. Organized geographically and...
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21st Century and Contemporary English International Style Books

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Paper

Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey, Book by Karmason & Stacke
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey, by Marilyn Karmason & Joan Stacke – Updated and Expanded edition, 2002. Out of Print. The first major work on the field, a com...
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Early 2000s American International Style Books

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“Bravehearts – Men In Skirts” MOMA Costume Institute, 1st Edition Shrink Wrapped
Located in Philadelphia, PA
“Bravehearts: Men in Skirts” Hardcover – 1st Edition, 2003 – by Andrew Bolton. Shrink-wrapped. From the publisher: What do Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Prince Charles, and Boy George have in common? These and other sharply dressed, sexually secure, 21st-century men are incorporating skirts into their wardrobes. In this provocative, one-of-a-kind book, Andrew Bolton traces the warrior origins of kilts and sarongs and reveals how, far from feminizing men, skirts actually reinforce their virility. Some 150 photographs illustrate this colorful salute to the growing numbers of the few, if proud, men in skirts. The author, Andrew Bolton is the associate curator of the Costume Institute...
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Early 2000s English International Style Books

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Spacemaker Press Landmarks Series, Public Architecture & Sculpture, Volumes 1-6
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Spacemaker Press Landmarks Series, Paperback, volumes 1-6 Public Architectural Landscapes and Sculpture Gardens • 01 Barnsdall Park: A New Master Plan for Frank Lloyd Wright’s C...
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1990s American International Style Books

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The Glasshouse by John Hix – Phaidon Architecture History and Garden Photo Book
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Glasshouse traces the evolution of glass enclosures from the mid-17th century when the desire to nurture exotic plants in a foreign climate led to the development of the glasshou...
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20th Century English International Style Books

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Paper

Salvador Dalí Art Book by Robert Descharnes and Gilles Néret, Taschen Press
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Salvador Dalí 1904-1989 by Robert Descharnes and Gilles Néret With dust cover. Publisher: Taschen; First English-language Edition (November 1, 1998) Language: English Hardcov...
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21st Century and Contemporary German International Style Books

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Furniture Reference Books, Shaker, Early American, Contemporary Collection of 5
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A collection of five hard-bound history of furniture styles and makers reference books full of color photos and illustrations. Covering Early American, New Hampshire Seacoast, Shaker, and Contemporary American Woodworkers. Contemporary American Woodworkers by Michael A. Stone. Gibbs M. Smith Inc. 1986. 165 pages Fine Points of Furniture, Early American by Albert Sack. Crown Publishers 1993. 320 pages. American Antiques Encyclopedia...
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20th Century American International Style Books

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Frank O Gehry, The Complete Works by Francesco Dal Co. Modern Architecture Book
Located in Philadelphia, PA
One of the world’s great architects, Frank O. Gehry has produced an astonishing body of work. With the artistry of a sculptor and the brilliant articulation of an engineer, Gehry creates constructions that defy categorization. Over three hundred projects and a thousand illustrations — includes, among others, the controversial American Center in Paris; Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis; Nationale-Nedelanden Building (Fred and Ginger Building) in Prague; Vitra Headquarters in Weil am Rhein, Germany; California Aerospace Museum; Loyola Law School in Los Angeles; Chiat Day...
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Late 20th Century American International Style Books

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Sotheby's NY Auction Catalogues, Fine English Furniture & Decorations, Set of 2
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of auction catalogues from the Sotheby's New York sales of Fine English Furniture and Decorations. Dated: Saturday, January 27th, 1996 - Sale No. 6802 Friday, June 28th, ...
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1990s American International Style Books

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Interior Decor Design & Source Books, Windows, Curtains, Furnishings, Paint, S/4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A group of four Interior Design source books, all hardcover with jackets. 77 Habits of Highly Creative Interior Designers – Sarah Lynch, 2003 Rockport Publishing 159 pages. In this unique approach to home decorating, more than a dozen top interior designers share their professional secrets on every aspect of style, decor, and furnishings. Size: 8 x 0.5 x 11.2 inches The Complete Book of Paint – David Carter, Text Charles Hemming. Clarkson Potter, 1st American Edition 208 pages. The first book to cover virtually every paint technique and every surface: walls, floors, wood furniture, upholstered fabrics and metalwork. The book outlines 35 projects. Size: 8.8 x 1 x 11.25 inches Window Style – Mary Fox Linton...
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Late 20th Century American International Style Books

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Paper

Christie's NY Interiors Auction Catalogues, 2008-2009, Set of Three
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A group of three auction catalogues from the Christie's New York 'Interiors' sales. The Interior sale catalogues are noted for their in-depth writings and beautiful full-color pho...
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21st Century and Contemporary American International Style Books

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Paper

Gardening Roses, Herbs, Shrubs, Vegetables, Fruit Trees, Collection of 5 Books
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A collection of five hard-bound gardening books, suitable for the beginner and the advanced gardener alike. Covering a wide range of subjects from Rose...
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Late 20th Century American International Style Books

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Antique Price Guide Book, Judith Miller 2008 First American Edition with Jacket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A hard bound price guide for antiques and collectibles, written by the UK antiques expert Judith Miller. The Antiques Price Guide 2008 highlights ov...
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21st Century and Contemporary American International Style Books

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Paper

Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000 by Guiliana Gramigna (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
A 2 volume set of hardback books in a slip case which covers Italian domestic furniture design in the second half of the 20th century. Volume 1 covers 1950-1979, with 269 pages and hundreds of black and white photographs of tables, chairs, other furniture and lighting. Volume 2 covers 1980-2000. 345 pages again having hundreds of black and white photographs of Italian...
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20th Century International Style Books

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One World, One People: a Collection of Photographs and Essays
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Old Boston Museum Days by Kate Ryan, First Edition
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Great America, French Book by PML Editions, 1988
Located in Atlanta, GA
Geniale Amerique (Great America), French book by Editions PML, 1988. America is a rich and immense land of incredible beauty, sometimes still primitive; a complex continent in comple...
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Two Books on Trade Tokens, First Edition
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Two books on trade tokens. 1.) U.S. Merchant Tokens 1845-1860 by Russell Rulau. Iola: Krause Publications, Inc., 1985. Softcover. 192 pp. A catalogue of the unofficial coinage of Ame...
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The Most Beautiful Gardens in the World, Hardcover Book, 2004
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The City of Tomorrow and its Planning 'Le Corbusier'
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First American edition of Le Corbusier’s authoritative and influential tome on rationalist (read geometric) urban planning, wherein “the author has undertaken a close survey of the e...
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The Great Edwardian Gardens of Harold Peto: From the Archives of Country Life, by Robin Whalley, Hardcover – May 1, 2007 The gardens of the great Edwardian landscape designer are captured in all their glory in 200 color and duotone images from the archives of Country Life. Harold Peto (1854–1933) was one of the most celebrated landscape designers of the Edwardian era. A leading exponent of the ultra-romantic Italianate style...
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International Style books for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique International Style books for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage books created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used International Style books made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original books, popular names associated with this style include Various Makers, Phaidon, Rizzoli International Publications, and André Lurcat. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for books differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $40 and tops out at $4,835 while the average work can sell for $125.

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