The Architect of his Own Fame

After studying for two years, it became clear that Walter Gropius lacked any talent for architecture. He founded an architectural office where others designed buildings that are considered icons of modernity today. That was the beginning of his legendary career, which took him to the Bauhaus School and later led to a professorship at Harvard. Bernd Polster’s biography shows for the first time the decisive role that charisma and chutzpah played in his life.

Gropius was a master of exploitation and took advantage of others for his own ends. His network included every name that played a role in 20th century architecture and design – who would have dared doubt his standing? Bernd Polster has meticulously researched Gropius’ life; and in the future it will no longer be told as a heroic story, but as a picaresque novel.

The new, comprehensive biography of Walter Gropius

The history of Bauhaus needs rewriting

100 Years Bauhaus 2019