Book excerpt: Twentieth-century Brazilian furniture design is perhaps the last great largely unknown tradition of modernism, characterized by rich and sensually textured hardwoods and an ingenuity, grace, and simplicity that exemplify the national character of brasiliadade. With well over 400 historic images and new photography, Brazil Modern: The Rediscovery of Twentieth-Century Brazilian Furniture surveys the history and legacy of this innovative design tradition. Featuring the work of the titans of Brazilian design—Lina Bo Bardi, Oscar Niemeyer, Joaquim Tenreiro, and Sergio Rodrigues—as well as numerous designers whose work and reputations only recently reached foreign shores, Brazil Modern is the first comprehensive guide to this untapped vein of modernist design.