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Eyewitness Companions
Eyewitness Companions: Architecture
Presenting a series of innovative visual manuals on a wide variety of popular subjects, these richly illustrated companions offers detailed cutaway views, maps, specially commissioned photographs, informative captions, and a fact-filled text as they cover the basics of different topics of interest.
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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313 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 5, 2026
This sounds kind of weird to say, but this book is among my nostalgic childhood memories.
October 28, 2011
A literary and - this being Kindersley - pictorial headnote into the world of architecture and its most popular styles. It contains bitesized, though sufficient information about the history of the craft - including ancient and 'extinct' cultural movements of building from around the world; the influences of older artistic movements in their historical ties with newer ones, and even specific purposes of commonly used styles such as baroque/rococo, gothic, modernist, arts and crafts, moorish and islamic architecture, traditionalist and even some nostalgic examples. All of which is then followed by a number of well known architectural representatives for each featured style.
Notable omissions are styles of the (mostly) British late-forties brutalist movement. Thankfully.
Notable omissions are styles of the (mostly) British late-forties brutalist movement. Thankfully.
February 22, 2010
Fascinating information and photos from beginning to end. Touching on various types of architecture. There was so many favorites, and quite a few new places to me, showcased in this book. I appreciated the parts in the book most, that visually deconstructed our favorite landmarks. A beautifully written and illustrated book!
Another book on high on my list!
Another book on high on my list!
July 25, 2015
A great introductory reference guide to be used for AP art History revised curriculum.
June 2, 2023
Glancey's writing style is like a cool tour guide who knows how to explain complex stuff in a way that doesn't make your brain hurt)) Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned architecture aficionado, this book has got you covered with clear explanations and fascinating stories that will keep you hooked.
Now, let's keep it real. While "Eyewitness Companions: Architecture" is fantastic for building a firm foundation, it might not satisfy hardcore architecture nerds craving super-deep analysis or a global perspective beyond the Western focus :)
Now, let's keep it real. While "Eyewitness Companions: Architecture" is fantastic for building a firm foundation, it might not satisfy hardcore architecture nerds craving super-deep analysis or a global perspective beyond the Western focus :)
July 19, 2018
Well this book was such a interesting read and a great insight into the world of architecture! I already knew of some of the places mentioned in the book, which was very helpful and helped me to learn even more about them too. I thought this book was fabulous and so well researched, its awoken my travel bug. ♡
August 9, 2009
This is one more in that exquisite "Eyewitness Companions" series. Each volume--and boy do they cover a large ambit!--provides a literate entrée to some subject area, from beer to French wine to photography to. . . . This volume focuses on architecture. I can't say I know a lot about architecture, other than some basics. But that is one reason that this title intrigued me. These are like little handbooks, not offering much depth, but providing a wide ranging (albeit shallow) review. And that's what I wanted in this instance.
The author, Jonathan Glancey, notes that he has selected buildings that, as far as possible, he has actually seen. That amounts, in his words, to nine out of ten mentioned. However, he includes certain buildings that he has not seen to avoid brickbats being hurled in his direction! What is architecture? He begins by quoting Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who is quoted as saying (Page 17) that architecture began "when two bricks were put together well." Glancey goes on to define the subject thus (Page 17): ". . .architecture is the self-conscious act of building: of building not just with common sense, but with artistry." As with other books in the series, the early parts of this volume provide context for an examination of real architectural creations. Background on the nature of architecture is provided. But, as with others in this series, it is the illustrations that form the heart of the book (at least for me).
The book begins at the beginning--with a section entitled "From Village to City." The focus is the ancient Middle East, from 5300-350 BCE. From the Ziggurat of Urnammu in Ur (of the Chaldees) to the Pyramid of Khufu in ancient Egypt. Then, majestic structures in the New World, from 300 BCE to 1550 CE, such as the Pyramid of the Sun, the Step Pyramid (in my home state of Illinois) in Cahokia. Then, the Classical World, covering Greece (e.g., the Parthenon) to Rome (e.g., Trajan's Column) to Byzantium (e.g., Hagia Sophia in today's Istanbul). What of the East? The Thai Buddha, Angkor Wat, the Great Wall of China. And architecture in the Islamic World, Persia, Medieval Europe (I wish that the Cathedral at Speyer has been included)--with the trio of glorious French cathedrals--Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame in Paris and the cathedral in Chartres (with the wonderful "blue of Chartres" glassworks). And on through the Baroque to the modern world.
As always, one can quibble with what is included and what is excluded (note one of my comments above). Still, this is an enjoyable volume for amateurs like me to get better acquainted with the range of architectural treasures, knowing that this is only a sampling. I am a satisfied reader of this volume. I think that others will be pleased as well. This is not for experts, needless to say.
The author, Jonathan Glancey, notes that he has selected buildings that, as far as possible, he has actually seen. That amounts, in his words, to nine out of ten mentioned. However, he includes certain buildings that he has not seen to avoid brickbats being hurled in his direction! What is architecture? He begins by quoting Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who is quoted as saying (Page 17) that architecture began "when two bricks were put together well." Glancey goes on to define the subject thus (Page 17): ". . .architecture is the self-conscious act of building: of building not just with common sense, but with artistry." As with other books in the series, the early parts of this volume provide context for an examination of real architectural creations. Background on the nature of architecture is provided. But, as with others in this series, it is the illustrations that form the heart of the book (at least for me).
The book begins at the beginning--with a section entitled "From Village to City." The focus is the ancient Middle East, from 5300-350 BCE. From the Ziggurat of Urnammu in Ur (of the Chaldees) to the Pyramid of Khufu in ancient Egypt. Then, majestic structures in the New World, from 300 BCE to 1550 CE, such as the Pyramid of the Sun, the Step Pyramid (in my home state of Illinois) in Cahokia. Then, the Classical World, covering Greece (e.g., the Parthenon) to Rome (e.g., Trajan's Column) to Byzantium (e.g., Hagia Sophia in today's Istanbul). What of the East? The Thai Buddha, Angkor Wat, the Great Wall of China. And architecture in the Islamic World, Persia, Medieval Europe (I wish that the Cathedral at Speyer has been included)--with the trio of glorious French cathedrals--Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame in Paris and the cathedral in Chartres (with the wonderful "blue of Chartres" glassworks). And on through the Baroque to the modern world.
As always, one can quibble with what is included and what is excluded (note one of my comments above). Still, this is an enjoyable volume for amateurs like me to get better acquainted with the range of architectural treasures, knowing that this is only a sampling. I am a satisfied reader of this volume. I think that others will be pleased as well. This is not for experts, needless to say.
November 13, 2012
A great overview and easy to follow with plenty of very good and interesting photos of many important excellent architecture examples.
Although I disagree with the author at some points (in the Islamic part) as he provided inaccurate details which gave me an impression to doubt the other pieces of information in the book.. For example: on the key dates, he mentioned that "koran (the sacred book of Islam revealed to Mohammed, is finalized by his disciples".. and this is not true because Kuran was finalized when the prophet was alive. The last verse that the prophet was taught was: "This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion".. The prophet's disciples wrote the Kuran in the form of a book which was only remembered by many of them by heart on the days of the prophet.. Another wrong statement was on the side box for MOHAMMED.. "He experienced a vision of the angel Gabriel, who instructed him to write the verses of Koran". On the contrary, Gabriel asked him to read.. These are the verses that he taught him:
"Proclaim, in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created -- Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood -- Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful -- Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful"
Although I disagree with the author at some points (in the Islamic part) as he provided inaccurate details which gave me an impression to doubt the other pieces of information in the book.. For example: on the key dates, he mentioned that "koran (the sacred book of Islam revealed to Mohammed, is finalized by his disciples".. and this is not true because Kuran was finalized when the prophet was alive. The last verse that the prophet was taught was: "This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion".. The prophet's disciples wrote the Kuran in the form of a book which was only remembered by many of them by heart on the days of the prophet.. Another wrong statement was on the side box for MOHAMMED.. "He experienced a vision of the angel Gabriel, who instructed him to write the verses of Koran". On the contrary, Gabriel asked him to read.. These are the verses that he taught him:
"Proclaim, in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created -- Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood -- Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful -- Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful"
September 9, 2012
The more I grew up, the more I became passionate in architecture, Western architecture to be exact - especially that of the Greeks and the Romans. The columns, the arches, the dome, the pilasters and all those glamours white marbles create an luminous effect on me which can't be put into words. This is a great book if you are interested in the matter and travelling, as its size is quite small and thus convenient. It contains information since the ancient civilization's architecture (the Egyptians, the Greeks etc.) up until the present days where modernism and contemporary have gained a significant influence on the scenery of the world. One main flaw is that the information is a bit too dry and could have been more interesting, which is why I purchased 100 Great Ideas that Changed Architecture.
January 7, 2016
Love this book!
When I saw this book in my school library, I just think that it will help me pass time in my break between study. It turns out better than I expect. Most of the building come with beautiful pictures, detailed historical and related-stories. I love the way author organized the book. The style is introduced stretching across time, cultures, religions, history people and events, and the development of engineering through the time. This book provides me another angle when looking at how spreading and interacting culture was. With lots of nice picture, reading this book is truly a leisure and relaxing time.
When I saw this book in my school library, I just think that it will help me pass time in my break between study. It turns out better than I expect. Most of the building come with beautiful pictures, detailed historical and related-stories. I love the way author organized the book. The style is introduced stretching across time, cultures, religions, history people and events, and the development of engineering through the time. This book provides me another angle when looking at how spreading and interacting culture was. With lots of nice picture, reading this book is truly a leisure and relaxing time.
May 17, 2009
Een geïllustreerde gids over 5000 jaar architectuur, van prehistorie tot postmodernisme, wereldwijd: de westerse traditie, de islamitische bouwkunst, India, China en Japan.
Een aardige, welliswaar beknopte gids voor zowel de leek als de liefhebber van monumentale of moderne architectuur en wie geïnteresseerd is in de gebouwen die zijn omgeving vormen.
Op een begrijpelijke wijze worden de ontwikkelingen binnen de architectuur chronologisch op een rij gezet. De fotografie in deze gids is toegespitst op zowel een beknopt totaalbeeld en detail.
Een aardige, welliswaar beknopte gids voor zowel de leek als de liefhebber van monumentale of moderne architectuur en wie geïnteresseerd is in de gebouwen die zijn omgeving vormen.
Op een begrijpelijke wijze worden de ontwikkelingen binnen de architectuur chronologisch op een rij gezet. De fotografie in deze gids is toegespitst op zowel een beknopt totaalbeeld en detail.
April 24, 2012
This visual reference guide is a fantastic sourcebook for architects and fans of architecture. Broken down chronologically and in regional styles, there are an exhaustive number of color photos, three dimensional drawings and maps. Historical references place the buildings in their time frame and important elements of the building style are highlighted. Travelers would like this book as well, using it to plan their daily treks of important world landmarks.
December 1, 2009
I LOVE this book!!!! I'd give it 10 Stars!
Architecture is my passion in life, and any time I travel overseas I take this with me. It's the perfect book to travel with and to get a short description of many famous buildings that are found all over the world. It's AWESOME.
Architecture is my passion in life, and any time I travel overseas I take this with me. It's the perfect book to travel with and to get a short description of many famous buildings that are found all over the world. It's AWESOME.
May 26, 2011
Another reference, this is a relatively comprehensive guide to ancient and modern architecture. Again, the photography in this book is terrific. The author provides short concise definitions of history and style.
November 25, 2012
Brilliant!, practically everything you need for a solid architectural knowledge foundation.
March 26, 2016
Very informative about the different styles of Architecture. I wish I read this before taking History of Western Architecture in College.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews