Probably the most popular building of the last century, Sydney Opera House is the icon of modern Australia. It has repaid its Au$100 million cost many times over, both as a tourist attraction and as a cultural center; as a brand, it is priceless. The story of its creation is one of both triumph and tragedy: universally loved these days, it was attacked by press and public when under construction. It is a masterpiece of modern architecture, yet Jorn Utzon, its designer, walked out before completion. Opinions are still divided over who was at fault when he resigned after a row with the client in 1966, and the story continues to rouse powerful passions to this day. Now, nearly 40 years later, Utzon has been invited back to oversee the building's refurbishment.

Peter Murray's compelling and highly readable biography of the building presents both sides of the story. Using previously unpublished files and papers; Murray has managed to unravel one of the most intriguing architectural controversies of recent times - what really happened when they built Sydney Opera House?