American industrial designer and inventor David Rowland is renowned for his signature 40/4 chair. Introduced in 1964, it earned its name because forty chairs could be stacked within just four feet—an unprecedented feat that revolutionized versatile seating.

Rowland’s wife, Erwin, and writer Laura Schenone unveil the inspiring journey of how he brought his groundbreaking design to market. Initially rejected by major furniture brands like Herman Miller and Knoll, Rowland persisted, and the 40/4 chair eventually became one of the most successful chairs ever produced, garnering numerous awards and selling over 8 million units by the early 21st century. Today, it graces the permanent collections of museums worldwide and adorns public and private spaces of all kinds, from cathedrals to cultural centers, corporate offices, and residences.

This captivating biography of David Rowland and his 40/4 chair, featuring over 250 photographs and documents (many previously unseen), narrates the compelling tale of his design practice and a singular chair whose design, propelled by its designer's determination, became the commercially successful and influential classic it is today. The first monograph on American designer David Rowland: 40/4 Chair is published to commemorate the 60th anniversary of this timeless design and includes a comprehensive survey of Rowland’s work before and after the development of his masterpiece.

David Rowland was a pioneering Mid-Century designer, born in Hollywood, California in 1924. He studied at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. His elegant, meticulously engineered 40/4 chair stands as one of the most significant and masterful designs of the 20th century.

Specifications:

- Format: Hardback

- Size: 290 × 214 mm (11 3/8 × 8 3/8 in)

- Pages: 240 pp

- Illustrations: 250 illustrations