A spectacular visual biography of one of the most celebrated architects and cultural icons of the twentieth century.

With his elegant suits and trademark round black glasses, Philip Johnson - a witty, wealthy, and well-connected architect - was for many years the most powerful figure in the society and politics of his profession. This impressively illustrated book traces his seven decades of larger-than-life influence, innovation, and controversy in the realm of architecture and beyond. Hundreds of images and documents, many published here for the first time, trace the remarkable life and career of a true legend.

The book showcases more than 600 images and documents, many previously unpublished, featuring his major built works - including the iconic Glass House - publications, exhibitions, as well as sketches, archival photographs, and personal correspondence. Rarely seen materials shed new light on Johnson's relationships with celebrity friends, including Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Truman Capote, Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, and many others. The book draws on The Philip Johnson Papers at the Museum of Modern Art and the Getty Research Institute, which have provided unprecedented access to clippings, unpublished statements, speeches, reviews, and commentaries on Johnson's architectural projects and photographs, together with his wide-ranging correspondence.


Ian Volner has published widely, including in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, Harper's, and Artforum, and is a contributing editor at Surface and Architect. In 2016, his book This Is Frank Lloyd Wright was a recipient of the DAM Architecture Book Award. He lives in Manhattan.

A spectacular visual biography of one of the most celebrated architects and cultural icons of the twentieth century.

With his elegant suits and trademark round black glasses, Philip Johnson - a witty, wealthy, and well-connected architect - was for many years the most powerful figure in the society and politics of his profession. This impressively illustrated book traces his seven decades of larger-than-life influence, innovation, and controversy in the realm of architecture and beyond. Hundreds of images and documents, many published here for the first time, trace the remarkable life and career of a true legend.

The book showcases more than 600 images and documents, many previously unpublished, featuring his major built works - including the iconic Glass House - publications, exhibitions, as well as sketches, archival photographs, and personal correspondence. Rarely seen materials shed new light on Johnson's relationships with celebrity friends, including Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Truman Capote, Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, and many others. The book draws on The Philip Johnson Papers at the Museum of Modern Art and the Getty Research Institute, which have provided unprecedented access to clippings, unpublished statements, speeches, reviews, and commentaries on Johnson's architectural projects and photographs, together with his wide-ranging correspondence.


Ian Volner has published widely, including in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, Harper's, and Artforum, and is a contributing editor at Surface and Architect. In 2016, his book This Is Frank Lloyd Wright was a recipient of the DAM Architecture Book Award. He lives in Manhattan.