The book is a concise monograph on the projects of Herzog & de Meuron from 1989 to 1991. It includes a list of works and a biography of the architects.

"Herzog & De Meuron: 1989-1991" by Gerhard Mack is a detailed monograph that documents a pivotal early period in the career of the celebrated Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron. The book, a part of a larger series, focuses on the firm's projects from 1989 to 1991, an era when they were moving from regional recognition to international acclaim. Mack, a prominent architectural critic, provides a critical analysis of the firm's emerging design philosophy.

The book showcases Herzog & de Meuron's early and innovative work with materials, surfaces, and texture. During this period, the firm was establishing its reputation for a refined, almost minimalist aesthetic that was deeply responsive to site and material. The monograph features key projects from this time, such as the Ricola Storage Building in Laufen and the Goetz Collection in Munich. It includes a mix of photographs, plans, and drawings, providing a rare glimpse into the development of their distinctive approach. The book's significance lies in its ability to capture a moment when the firm's core ideas were solidifying, laying the groundwork for their later masterpieces like the Tate Modern.