Gaudi: A Biography

“A soaring biography. . . meticulously researched, elegantly organized, fluidly, lucidly written.” —Chicago Tribune

At the time of his death in 1926, Antonio Gaudi was arguably the most famous architect in the world. He had created some of the greatest and most controversial masterpieces of modern architecture that were as exotic as they were outrageous. But little is known about the shadowy figure behind the swirling, vivid buildings that inspired the Surrealists.

This masterful biography captures both the power and importance of Gaudi’s work and the unique spirit of Catalan culture. In life and death, Gaudi lived by extravagant gestures and a creativity that bordered on madness. Today, he has become an icon of artistic integrity and genius.

At the time of his death in 1926, Antonio Gaudi was arguably the most famous architect in the world. He had created some of the greatest and most controversial masterpieces of modern architecture, which were as exotic as they were outrageous. For many, Gaudi's unique architecture is Barcelona. But little is known about the shadowy figure behind the swirling, vivid buildings that inspired the surrealists. A fervent Catholic with an unstinting love for Catalonia, his homeland, an innovator who was profoundly orthodox, and a hermit who chose lifelong celibacy, having been rejected by the woman he loved, Gaudi was both brilliant and eccentric. He was very much the product of his time and place, and this masterful biography brings both man and architect powerfully to life against the changing backdrop of Barcelona and Catalonia.

Gijs van Hensbergen leads us through the design and construction of Gaudi's most significant buildings, revealing their innovation and complexity and demonstrating the growing relevance of Gaudi's architecture today. The author captures not only the power and importance of Gaudi's work but the unique spirit of Catalan culture as well.

This supreme artist lived by extravagant gestures and a creativity that bordered on madness. Even his legendary death under a tram as he stepped back to admire his cathedral in Barcelona has the hint of absurdity and poetry. In this first critical biography of one of Spain's most celebrated artists and the twentieth century's greatest architect, Gijs van Hensbergen makes a compelling argument for Gaudi's stature as icon of artistic integrity and genius.

“This book is written with immense sympathy and understanding for Gaudí himself and his work, but also for the cultural and political background…the most definitive book on Gaudí which has yet been produced.” - Colm Toibin, author of Homage to Barcelona

“Gijs van Hensbergen has managed to recreate in his book that same combination of playfulness and seriousness which characterises Gaudí, and Barcelona. Altogether a delight.” - Paul Preston, biographer of Franco

“Gijs van Hensbergen. . . brings Gaudi to life as never before” - Boston Globe

"The author’s virtues of balance and good taste are evident everywhere in this book. . . truly a landmark effort.” - Publishers Weekly

“A soaring biography. . . meticulously researched, elegantly organized, fluidly, lucidly written. … [GAUDI] is also an eye-opening piece of social history of the period and an entertaining one.” - Chicago Tribune

“Vivid and engaging” - Booklist

“A terrifically stirring biography. . . a gripping first-hand account of Gaudi’s power to melt the mind. . . . Mr. van Hensbergen animates ideas with narrative drive. Buildings are his characters.” - New York Times

“A significant contribution to the understanding of the great Catalan architect.” - Commonweal

“Elegantly written, handsomely illustrated GAUDI … [is] a memorable account of an original life.” - Camden Courier-Post