When in 1930 William Van Alen, architect of the Chrysler Building in New York, chose to 'pierce the sky, not just reach up and scrape it' with his Art Deco design, he embodied the spirit of the age in a time when everything in the arts was expected to be higher, faster and more dynamic than ever before.

Today affordable art pieces are within the grasp of many collectors and in this review of the period specialists from Christie's Twentieth Century Decorative Arts Department provide their expert knowledge in the consideration of subjects such as furniture, jewellery, silver and metalwork, and advertising art. In addition, biographies of every key participant in Art Deco design are provided; from the traditionalist Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, to Clarice Cliff with her vibrant colour palette, Paul-Emile Brandt with his opulent accessory designs, and the avant-garde Le Corbusier.

Illustrated with images from Christie's archives, the exuberance of this truly cosmopolitan age in design history is justly celebrated. Its dynamic spirit is captured in images of striking Japanese ceramics, vibrant Swiss poster designs, exquisite French glass and the striking boldness of American architectural detailing.

This is an essential book for all collectors and enthusiasts of Art Deco.