1000 Years of World Architecture: An Illustrated Guide

by Francesca Prina

Great book of World Architecture. In good condition. Little wear.

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published October 2, 2006

Reviews

[Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really amazing book! I found it in the bargain books section of Waldenbooks. The photos are simply stunning. There are beautiful interiors, beautiful exteriors, beautiful libraries, beautiful gardens, beautiful churches, and more.

The title mentions world architecture, but this is really Western architecture. You won't find anything from South America, Asia or Africa. The title is misleading, but it doesn't diminish the beauty of what architecture it does show.

If you like architecture, or simply enjoy pretty photos, you'll enjoy this book. The captions are informative if you understand a little about architecture. The photos are arranged from oldest structures to newest structures. There are some interesting newer building, but I prefer the classics.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When they say "World Architecture" they only mean "Western Architecture." While I agree with the premise that the authors stated in the foreward that architecture is best understood in the context of economic, social, technical, functional, artistic, spatial, and decorative functions, I do believe a book this sweeping fails at all of them. When a single spread is devoted to the "Ornate English Gothic" with no more than three pictorial examples, without clear explanation of what distinguishes it from Italian or Spanish Gothic, we are left only to guess. The book is best read while Googling examples (mentioned and unmentioned). Still, it is a good broad overview.

[David Bisset · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is an excellent summary of a Millennium of architecture with well chosen examples, reasonable background information, cogent analysis and superlative illustrations. My only critique is the cursory treatment of Victorian architecture.