First edition of the book of critical theory on architecture by Robert Venturi. First book in a series of books published by the Museum of Modern Art dealing with the theory behind modern architecture, independent of the museums exhibition program. Introduction by Vincent Scully. "Like his buildings, Venturi's book opposes what many would consider Establishment, or at least established, opinions. He speaks with uncommon candor, addressing himself to actual conditions: the ambiguous and sometimes unattractive 'facts' in which architects find themselves enmeshed at each moment, and whose confusing nature Venturi would seek to make the basis of architectural design." -- from the foreword by Arthur Drexler