This authoritative biography of Sir Robert Matthew (1906-1975), one of the dominant figures in 20th century British architecture, interweaves his personal story with the turbulent political and social cross-currents of the welfare-state-era.A strong-willed, idealistic leader, Matthew exploited the great narratives of the day public collectivism and private individualism, modernity and tradition to help chart a wider strategy for architecture in Britain and abroad.