<P>Charles and Ray Eames, perhaps the most famous design partnership of twentieth-century America, did pioneering work in furniture, film, architecture, and exhibition design. Out of respect for Charles's wishes, no book on them was published during their lifetime. Now Pat Kirkham interprets their work in depth, probing the lives behind the designs and the nature of the collaboration. In researching this major work, Kirkham had full access to the Eames archive and cooperation from the Eameses' clients and associates. The result is a richly detailed study of these remarkable designers and of their work from 1941 to 1978, including a substantial reevaluation of Ray's role. There is much here that will be new to readers who may be broadly familiar with the Eameses' work, particularly in the recounting of their early careers and in the examination of their multimedia presentations, exhibitions, and films.</P>