The book by Deyan Sudjic, The Edifice Complex: The Architecture of Power, is a fascinating exploration of the language of architecture as a reflection of the psychology of power, from tyrannies to billionaires. Why do presidents and prime ministers, magnates and tyrants share such a fascination with grand designs? Is it to impress or to intimidate, to exercise state power, to claim immortality or simply to satisfy their ego? Sudjic examines the blurred relationship between buildings, money, and politics, revealing the power of architecture - and the architecture of power.

The book has received positive reviews, calling it "a gripping and passionate journey into the murkiest depths of vanity" by The Times and "a series of stories of violence, absurdity, and occasionally beauty" by the Evening Standard. Daily Mail describes it as "well-written, wittily accurate and important" and New Statesman calls it "informative, lively and clever."

Deyan Sudjic, director of the Design Museum, was born in London to Yugoslav parents. He is a former architectural critic for the Observer and a visiting professor at the Royal College of Art. He directed the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2002 and is the author of several distinguished books such as The Edifice Complex, 100-Mile City, Architecture Pack, and monographs on John Pawson, Ron Arad, and Richard Rogers.

Pages: 464, Dimensions: 11.3x11.3cm