Art Deco Style

The dominant style in architecture and design of the 1920s and 30s, Art Deco was an exuberant reaction to the austerity of the war years. Characterized by geometric shapes, stylized natural forms and the use of luxurious materials, and inspired by sources ranging from Ancient Egypt to the Ballets Russes, the style rapidly spread from France to Britain, the United States and all over the globe during the 1930s.

The fascinating text of this attractive volume charts the various worldwide manifestations of Art Deco to demonstrate with eloquence that the style - though labelled a 'movement' only in retrospect - had an astounding coherence that led to its international appeal. The first ever book to explore Art Deco's pervasive influence in all areas of life, Art Deco Style is illustrated with examples from all over the world, from liners to letter-boxes and lampposts.

Bevis Hillier is the author of more than 20 books, including Art Deco: A Design Handbook, The Style of the Century and The World of Art Deco.

Stephen Escritt is a specialist in nineteenth- and twentieth-century decorative arts, especially in the fields of interior design and furniture. A regular contributor to arts journals, he is author of Art Nouveau in Phaidon's Arts & Ideas series.

'Hillier's and Escritt's superb book takes the reader on an intoxicating journey through the genre. Beautifully illustrated, wonderfully written.' (Heritage Today)

'This richly illustrated book is the most comprehensive and wide-ranging study of the movement to date - a must for all deco-philes.' (Homes & Gardens)

'This splendid book, which combines wit with erudition, is destined to become the bible for Art Deco enthusiasts.' (Birmingham Post)