Vidler (Cooper Union architecture school, New York) examines the aesthetics and historical context of the work of French architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux (1736-1806). Color and b&w drawings, sketches, photos, and other illustrations support the text, which discusses Ledoux's style, designs, and buildings that combined styles of architectural classicism and utopianism. Examples include Saline de Chaux, Theatre of Besancon, and the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans. The book was originally published in French in 2005. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)