With outstretched arms, his gaze slightly downcast, covered with millions of soapstone tiles and perched on a pedestal, Christ the Redeemer watches over Rio de Janeiro from his vantage point on Corcovado. With Brazil's Guanabara Bay in the distance, the statue keeps an eye on the legendary beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. Rio is a passionate, dynamic, and colorful city, brimming with zest for life. This energy is palpable during the numerous celebrations and events that take place in the city, including the Summer Olympics, two FIFA World Cups, Carnival, and much more. Rio de Janeiro is the birthplace of the expressive samba dance, which perfectly complements the city's fast-paced life. Whether it's the strains of a record by bossa nova pioneer João Gilberto or the echoes of a major Madonna concert on Copacabana Beach, Rio isn't for those seeking peace and quiet. Beyond its musical output, the city also has a significant influence on the world of design, inspiring figures like Oscar Niemeyer and Roberto Burle Marx. Then there's Copacabana Palace, a true icon of Rio's landscape and the jet set's favorite hotel for a century. All this and more comes to life in Assouline's Rio de Janeiro, a coffee table book that captures the soul of one of Latin America's most vibrant cities, with local insights from Bruno Astuto.