This is the most readable, elegant, and in-depth book on one of the twentieth century's most influential architects. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was a famous architect who designed beautiful mansions, skyscrapers, museums, and multi-building campuses. Mertin's rigorous and accessible language gives the reader a comprehensive explanation of all of the most notable buildings as well as the intellectual backgrounds for their design, belying Mies's diverse interests, which covered philosophy and science as well as design.