Gottfried Semper (1803–1879), the creator of the Dresden Semperoper, was one of the most significant German architects, a brilliant designer of theater buildings and monumental structures. His designs influenced architecture in Europe during the second half of the 19th century like no others. The diversity of his buildings continues to impress today, and his writings laid the foundations for modern architecture. Karin Moelling takes the reader on a journey through the life stages and places of work of Gottfried Semper across Europe. The struggles of an artist and the disasters of his biography are presented in an entertaining, personal, and knowledgeable cultural journey of a very special kind.