The book is a bilingual monograph on the architectural work of Eckart Muthesius in India. It includes a biography, a list of works, and extensive archival photographs.

"Eckart Muthesius, India 1930-1939: Architecture, Design, Photography" by Reto Niggl is a comprehensive monograph that documents the work of the German architect and designer Eckart Muthesius during his formative years in India. Published in a bilingual German and English edition, the book provides a detailed look at Muthesius's most famous commission: the Manik Bagh Palace for the Maharaja of Indore.

The book's central theme is Muthesius's unique synthesis of European modernism with the luxurious, culturally rich context of India. He designed not just the building but also its entire interior, including furniture, lighting, and even the vehicles. The book is a treasure trove of archival material, featuring Muthesius’s own meticulously documented plans, designs, and stunning photographs of the palace and its components. Niggl's work reveals how Muthesius created one of the most significant examples of Art Deco and modernist design in the world, a total work of art (Gesamtkunstwerk) that went beyond a simple architectural commission. The book is a vital record of a remarkable cross-cultural collaboration and a testament to Muthesius's vision.