The UN Building in New York is a singular icon of modern architecture. On the occasion of the United Nations' 60th Anniversary in September 2005 and before an extensive period of renovation, this book celebrates one of the most important and symbolic buildings of the 20th century. Its centrepiece is the exquisite set of photographs taken specially by Ben Murphy, which reveal the building's sublime beauty, much of which has never been seen by the outside public. Essays consider the building's importance in the history of architecture and its social and political context.

Author Biography

A former art director at The Face magazine, photographer Ben Murphy works regularly for British and Italian Vogue, World of Interiors and a number of British newspapers. His photographs are in the collection the National Portrait Gallery in London, where he lives. Aaron Betsky is director of the Netherlands Architecture Institute and the author of numerous books on design, architecture and culture. Kofi Annan is Secretary-General of the United Nations.