The UN Building in New York is a singular icon of modern architecture. On the occasion of the United Nations' 60th Anniversary in September 2005 and before an extensive period of renovation, this book celebrates one of the most important and symbolic buildings of the 20th century. Its centrepiece is the exquisite set of photographs taken specially by Ben Murphy, which reveal the building's sublime beauty, much of which has never been seen by the outside public. Essays consider the building's importance in the history of architecture and its social and political context.