Architecture in global socialism : Eastern Europe, West Africa, and the Middle East in the Cold War /

Beautifully illustrated, extremely well researched, and extensively documented, this is a fascinating examination of the role played by architects, planners, and sometimes builders from the communist countries of Eastern Europe in the architecture of newly independent countries in Africa and the Middle East in the post--WW II era. Using sources ranging from architectural drawings to books and articles, along with scores of interviews, Stanek (Univ. of Manchester, UK) discusses how and why architects and others from countries usually classified as Soviet satellites left an imprint on particular cities in Ghana, Nigeria, Libya, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. The large format of the volume does justice to the numerous illustrations, including drawings and buildings, a great many in color; these are accompanied by Stanek's perceptive comments, a host of endnotes, and an extensive bibliography. The result is an impressive investigation of an overlooked topic in 20th-century architectural history. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty; professionals; general readers. --Damie Stillman, emeritus, University of Delaware