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The Story of Architecture
Guiding readers through a staggering 5,000 years of world architecture, from ancient Sumeria to the spectacular glass-and-steel towers of today's cityscapes, this refreshingly accessible visual history makes for an irresistible read despite the complexity of the subject. Popular commentator Jonathan Glancey combines his sparkling prose with an unprecedented collection of photographs, artworks, and design plans to create a memorable story told with passion and insight.
Readers will learn about the influential and innovative architects of all ages, along with their masterpieces, from the ziggurat at Ur to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. But the story of architecture spans beyond the buildings and people themselves, to the geographical, historical, and cultural elements that influenced and literally shaped them. Glancey sees the whole picture, and tells it in an exciting, engaging way that will delight experts and novices alike.
Readers will learn about the influential and innovative architects of all ages, along with their masterpieces, from the ziggurat at Ur to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. But the story of architecture spans beyond the buildings and people themselves, to the geographical, historical, and cultural elements that influenced and literally shaped them. Glancey sees the whole picture, and tells it in an exciting, engaging way that will delight experts and novices alike.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 13, 2017
Swift, concise overview, with great photos.
June 17, 2022
Interesting book on the history of architecture that we used in our Classical Rhetoric homeschool history studies.
March 3, 2024
This provides a decent overview of the development of architectural styles from the dawn of civilization to 2000 (or so). It could some updating for the most recent score of years, though.
December 28, 2012
Love reading about architecture, this book is full of beauty and intrigue. The articles are simple and short, yet informative and insightful. It took me awhile to read but, I wanted to digest each category of artful structures. Need to own this book!
July 21, 2016
A good overview of architectural styles, with color photographs. As with most architecture books, I felt there could've been more pictures... but I really appreciated the history that went went along with everything. A books like this helps to integrate historical facts into a memorable timeline.
January 23, 2015
Great intro to architecture. I wish that it were more in-depth with more pictures.
December 28, 2010
Beautiful photos. Writing ok. A good comprehensive overview- covers ground from the earliest architecture known to present day. Necessarily does not go into much depth. Enjoyable.
August 2, 2011
I now know more about architecture than I did before.
September 8, 2011
An excellent book in providing valuable information about the world's greatest architectural buildings/ edifices throughout history, as well as its amiable narrative fashion.
June 20, 2015
This book is stunningly informative, filled with great bits of side knowledge and in general one of my favourite books. Highly recommend this book to fuel your passion and interest in architecture!
March 23, 2017
A book with extremely beautiful photos and extremely boring texts - both seem to be trademark features of all DK books.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews