The Art Deco period brought about changes in art, architecture, fashion, music, travel, transportation, literature, entertainment and other areas of life as well. Deco impacted the design of everything from the functional (building architecture) to the cultural (art, dance, movies, music) and from luxury goods (cars, boats) to the mundane (kitchen appliances). According to the editors, "Art Deco was not…really a 'style' in the traditional sense, but a curiously wonderful mixture of several contemporary styles with traditional and popular undercurrents." It carried from before the 'Great War', through the 'roaring twenties' and the Great Depression. The editors also state, "The period was one of dramatic technological change, social upheaval and political and economic crises, of bewildering contrasts and apocalyptic visions…Never was fantasy so functionally necessary for survival, whether to industry or the individual."

There has been a great deal written about Art Deco style in the United States and Europe. This book has a broader scope. Art Deco has been described as the first truly international style, and that is clear throughout this book. There are chapters on the international influences that led to the development of Deco style. There is also extensive discussion of the influence of Deco on international style.

While the text is fascinating and informative, the real reason not to miss this book is the illustrations (most are color). There are many examples of Deco design items from the exhibit and also some items that could not be incorporated into the exhibit (buildings, trains, airplanes, etc.). The photographs also demonstrate how Deco looked different around the world because it was influenced by regional cultures and ethnic elements.

While the exhibit was created at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, it is now touring through North America. It was at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto (September 2003-January 2004). It has also been in San Francisco and is currently at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston through January 9, 2005.