"Shiro Kuramata was a truly exceptional designer of furniture, products and interiors. [...] In the first book of this two-volume monograph, author Deyan Sudjic tells the story of Kuramata's life and work against the backdrop of Japan's turbulent history and the radical changes through which he lived; explaining in detail the ideas, relationships and technical innovations that made his designs possible. A selection of interviews with, and writings by, Kuramata, translated into English for the first time, give a sense of the designer's poetic, humorous and thoughtful intellect. The texts are illustrated by never-before-published photographs, technical drawings and sketches from Kuramata's sketchbooks and dream diaries--many projects represented with images of the design and manufacturing process, unveiling the secrets behind the production of his technically inventive work. The second book contains a complete list of works--a detailed inventory compiling the more than six hundred pieces that Kuramata designed in his lifetime; most of which have never been published, and many of which--including nearly all the interiors--have been demolished and can only be glimpsed in photographs or described by those who saw them. An illustrated catalogue follows, detailing all the projects for which images remain: beautiful archive photography accompanied by extended captions full of anecdotes, technical information and interesting details. This is the most authoritative monograph ever published on this incredible and inspirational designer"--Excerpted from page [2] of cover.