“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. “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 At the time of his death in 1926, Antoni Gaudí 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. But little is known about the shadowy figure behind the swirling, vivid buildings that inspired the Surrealists. 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 Gaudí’s most significant buildings -- revealing their innovation and complexity, and demonstrating the growing relevance of Gaudí’s architecture today. Gijs Van Hensbergen lectures in architecture and is the author of Art Deco and of the highly acclaimed travel book A Taste of Castille . He lives in Dorset, England. Excerpt Chapter One 'People of Space and Circumstance' As water, drop by drop, wears away the stone, so the landscape models its men, custom by custom. A people is, in the last analysis, a repertory of customs. Momentary bursts of genius serve to mark only its profile. José Ortega y Gasset Antoni Gaudí I Cornet was born as he died, untidily - the subject of controversy. On 25 June 1852 a son was born to Francesc Gaudí and his wife, Antonia Cornet, residents of Reus. His baptism was unusually hasty. Although he was Antonia's fifth child, she had previously lost five-year-old Maria and two-year-old Francesc, within three months. Antonia's pregnancy had been a difficult one. The birth was traumatic and to save the baby's soul he was rushed to the church of Sant Pere Apostol in the first hour of his life. Antoni Gaudí's baptismal papers leave little room for doubt as to where and when he was born. However, later in life, Gaudí mischievously left his options open by implying that he might in fact have been born at his father's workshop, just over the municipal boundaries in Riudoms. But neither Riudoms nor Reus has done much with their legacies. Unsignposted buildings remain abandoned and drawings and documents are locked behind imposing museum doors. It is hardly a legacy to fight over. But the stakes have always been higher: local pride, fame, part-ownership in a future Catholic saint. Francesc Gaudí's country workshop, the Mas de la Calderera, lies two hours' walk southwest of Reus. From the city boundary the road towards Riudoms leads almost directly west towards the mountains of the Serra de Montsant. Trapped between mountain and sea, the ever-changing weather creates drama across this narrow plain. On some days the stratocirrus clouds are teased out like wispy cotton threads across the deep blue sky. But the weather can change rapidly as blue turns to purple and thunder rolls off the high sierra bringing torrential rain. From the main road the dried-out riera de Ma