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Modern Books

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Item type: New and Made To Order
Style: Modern
In Stock in Los Angeles, Marc Jacobs Illustrated by Grace Coddington
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marc Jacobs Illustrated (Hardcover) by Grace Coddington In stock in Los Angeles A unique monograph of over 50 collections created by the fashion desi...
Category

2010s American Modern Books

Materials

Paper

In Stock in Los Angeles, Beaumarly Paris by Gilbert Costes, Assouline
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beaumarly Paris (Hardcover) In stock in Los Angeles Icons of the Parisian lifestyle, Beaumarly establishments encompass more than twenty ultra-stylish cafés, hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants dotted around the mythical City of Light, from the heart of the Louvre to the rooftop of the Centre Pompidou, from Saint-Germain-des-Prés to the Golden Triangle, from Pigalle to the Bastille. Created by Thierry and Gilbert Costes, who over thirty years have been transforming the way Parisians experience their city, Beaumarly properties include Café Marly, Café Beaubourg, Hôtel Amour, Brasserie Thoumieux, and Club Matignon. Each distinctive Beaumarly venue offers a journey for the senses born of close collaborations with the biggest names in architecture, art, and design, such as Christian de Portzamparc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Constantin Bookends, C by Colé Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Constantin Bookends by Colé Italia, C with Agustina Bottoni Dimensions: H.20 D.7 W.7 cm Materials: The body is a cube in Marquina black marble with white veins. The top is in solid...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Books

Materials

Oak, Walnut

The Word of Colours
Located in Stockholm, SE
THE WORD OF COLOURS Textile artist and healer Anna Charlotte Rosenberg Bosten take us on an insightful journey into the world of colours. Her creative and spiritual life choices,...
Category

2010s Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Materials Matter Set by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Located in Geneve, CH
Materials matter set by Theodora Alfredsdottir Unique set Materials: Granite Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 18 cm Theodora Alfredsdottir is a product design studio based in London. The...
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2010s English Modern Books

Materials

Granite, Marble

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Modern books for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern 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, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, granite and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern 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 Assouline Publishing, and Phaidon. 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 $24 and tops out at $510 while the average work can sell for $51.

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