Spectacle is a dynamic visual essay that celebrates the phenomenon and history of public performance worldwide -- from the theater to the streets, from religious festivals to political marches, and from permanent spectacles like the city of Las Vegas to ephemeral fireworks displays. Stunning color and archival photographs document 19 events, among them the Olympic Games, Carnival, the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, and the Burning Man festival in the desert of Nevada. The book includes descriptive essays, interviews with noted cultural figures, an essay by critic Herbert Muschamp, and a listing of 40 spectacles around the globe.

About the Author

Bruce Mau is the Chairman and Creative Directer of Bruce Mau Design, which has gained international recognition for innovative multidisciplinary work. He is the author of Life Style and Massive Change, both published by Phaidon, and designed and conceived the award-winning book S, M, L, XL with Rem Koolhaas.

David Rockwell is the founder and CEO of Rockwell Group in New York, an internationally acclaimed architecture, planning, and design firm specializing in restaurant, cultural, educational, theatre and film design.