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The Architecture Lover’s Guide to London
Since the early days as rolling hills crisscrossed with streams, London has come a long way to be one of the most exciting and innovative cities in the world.
From the first Roman settlement 2000 years ago to the high tech and high rise buildings of today, the history of London is a story of experimentation, determination and triumph. A city at the cutting edge of style and fashion, rising from every fire, every attack, every setback.
The Architecture Lover’s Guide to London takes a journey through history, looking at some of the most significant buildings, as well as the people who have shaped this city.
From the first Roman settlement 2000 years ago to the high tech and high rise buildings of today, the history of London is a story of experimentation, determination and triumph. A city at the cutting edge of style and fashion, rising from every fire, every attack, every setback.
The Architecture Lover’s Guide to London takes a journey through history, looking at some of the most significant buildings, as well as the people who have shaped this city.
- GenresNonfictionTravel
126 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2022
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31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 1, 2022
Thanks to Pen and Sword for the chance to read and review this book.
I'm really enjoying these books, having first read The Book Lover's Guide to London. They are really handy and engaging little guides to London, and I plan to take both on my next trip down there!
This one focuses on the buildings and architecture of London and how it's developed over time, starting with Roman Londinium, through Medieval, Tudor and Stuart London, into the Georgian and Victorian periods, and finishing in the present day. This includes locations like the Tower of London, Westminster Palace, 10 Downing Street, the British Museum, and the Shard, with everything in between.
If you're planning on doing a sightseeing tour of London this little book will give you information you might not get from the London tour guides, and you can strike out on your own quite easily to explore some of the most iconic buildings in London and discover the history of one of the oldest cities in the UK, and the men and women behind some of the architecture as well.
I'm really enjoying these books, having first read The Book Lover's Guide to London. They are really handy and engaging little guides to London, and I plan to take both on my next trip down there!
This one focuses on the buildings and architecture of London and how it's developed over time, starting with Roman Londinium, through Medieval, Tudor and Stuart London, into the Georgian and Victorian periods, and finishing in the present day. This includes locations like the Tower of London, Westminster Palace, 10 Downing Street, the British Museum, and the Shard, with everything in between.
If you're planning on doing a sightseeing tour of London this little book will give you information you might not get from the London tour guides, and you can strike out on your own quite easily to explore some of the most iconic buildings in London and discover the history of one of the oldest cities in the UK, and the men and women behind some of the architecture as well.
February 22, 2022
This is a great resource if you love architecture and history. London is a magical city with so much history and variety of architecture in a small area. This book is a travel/history guide with the emphasis on architecture. I've been to London several times and have visited or seen most of the sites and buildings mentioned. But this gives history and context to the buildings.
The book is broken down by time periods: Londinium (ancient London, Romans), Medieval to Tudors, Stuarts, Great Fire, Georgians, Regency Styles, Victorians, Edwardians, Art Deco, Post War, Contemporary and Twenty First Century. No matter if it is Wren churches or modern buildings there is brief information about architects, the building and the time period. I had no idea that 10 Downing street dates back to the Georgians (started in the 1600s and finished in the 1700s).
This isn't a travel guide. It doesn't give specific locations, entrance admissions, or even nearby subway stops. Instead it is something that will add depth to your travels in addition to a traditional travel guide. Or like me, you can use it to arm chair travel and learn about places you've been or want to visit.
I really enjoyed this book. The photos are great and add tremendously to the book but I wouldn't call this a photo book. There are similar books by the publisher on Paris and Rome but written by different authors. Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Sword for a eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book is broken down by time periods: Londinium (ancient London, Romans), Medieval to Tudors, Stuarts, Great Fire, Georgians, Regency Styles, Victorians, Edwardians, Art Deco, Post War, Contemporary and Twenty First Century. No matter if it is Wren churches or modern buildings there is brief information about architects, the building and the time period. I had no idea that 10 Downing street dates back to the Georgians (started in the 1600s and finished in the 1700s).
This isn't a travel guide. It doesn't give specific locations, entrance admissions, or even nearby subway stops. Instead it is something that will add depth to your travels in addition to a traditional travel guide. Or like me, you can use it to arm chair travel and learn about places you've been or want to visit.
I really enjoyed this book. The photos are great and add tremendously to the book but I wouldn't call this a photo book. There are similar books by the publisher on Paris and Rome but written by different authors. Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Sword for a eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2022
I might have just gone down a rabbit trail while compiling this review, and discovered that the author also wrote a book on Herge, the author of Tintin! How did I not know this?! Must investigate!
And on that note … :D
The Architecture Lover’s Guide to London is a fantastic overview of exactly that. Gorgeous photography and an approachable history presentation combine for just the high-level coffee-table read. I’ve been to a number of these locations (and either didn’t know or forgot altogether the history behind some of them), and so enjoyed the trip down memory lane. I’m always intrigued by what drives building styles, and really appreciated how Lye explained it all. Laymen’s terms, and yet intriguing enough to warrant further research on the styles, buildings, and history that pique my interest.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
And on that note … :D
The Architecture Lover’s Guide to London is a fantastic overview of exactly that. Gorgeous photography and an approachable history presentation combine for just the high-level coffee-table read. I’ve been to a number of these locations (and either didn’t know or forgot altogether the history behind some of them), and so enjoyed the trip down memory lane. I’m always intrigued by what drives building styles, and really appreciated how Lye explained it all. Laymen’s terms, and yet intriguing enough to warrant further research on the styles, buildings, and history that pique my interest.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 26, 2023
When I am in a city, I like to take the time to look at the rooftops and skylines. It is always fascinating to imagine the layers of history played out in a location and this book takes you on that journey through time.
I started to list the places I had already been to which were mentioned in the book and realised I had in fact been to a fair few of the prominent buildings. Now I need to plan a trip to visit more and I now have a greater awareness of the historical periods when these were added to the City.
Besides adding to my interest in London buildings, the book has also awakened my interest in architectural styles in general and I have taken greater notice of the buildings in the towns around where I live.
An interesting book and it has led to further reading.
I started to list the places I had already been to which were mentioned in the book and realised I had in fact been to a fair few of the prominent buildings. Now I need to plan a trip to visit more and I now have a greater awareness of the historical periods when these were added to the City.
Besides adding to my interest in London buildings, the book has also awakened my interest in architectural styles in general and I have taken greater notice of the buildings in the towns around where I live.
An interesting book and it has led to further reading.
January 30, 2022
I loved this book!
It was beautiful to look at, and it is filled with such interesting information!
To look at there is a LOT of text, and I was worried that it would feel very dense and a lot of it would go over my head. However, that was absolutely not the case. The info was so easy to understand, and was just fascinating. The photography, and illustrations are a great accompaniment too.
Anyone who loves London would love this book, and obviously if you love architecture this one is for you too!
It was beautiful to look at, and it is filled with such interesting information!
To look at there is a LOT of text, and I was worried that it would feel very dense and a lot of it would go over my head. However, that was absolutely not the case. The info was so easy to understand, and was just fascinating. The photography, and illustrations are a great accompaniment too.
Anyone who loves London would love this book, and obviously if you love architecture this one is for you too!
October 3, 2022
An interesting look at the history of London and its buildings. London's mixture of architectural styles means we get an insight into various different periods.
February 9, 2022
Sian Lye, The Architecture Lover’s Guide to London, Pen & Sword, White Owl., 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Pen and Sword for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
I was thrilled to begin reading this thorough and fascinating book about a city I love – and have not been able to visit for over two years because of Covid. Nothing can replace being there but having Sian Lye’s guide is a very close second. Indeed, how much better my next trip will be with the knowledge from Lye’s book, even if many of the buildings are familiar already.
This is a valuable resource, written in the familiar Pen and Sword style with detailed research presented in an engaging and accessible approach. I particularly enjoyed the early discussion in the introduction which covered the Roman’s first settlement and a wonderful historical tour through Tudor times and afterwards, the Great Fire of 1666 and its consequences, through the Georgian, Regency periods to the Second World War, through to today. Some wonderful photographs (listed clearly) accompany this material.
Then to Chapter 1, the advent of Londinium in detail and its changing relationship with Camulodunum as cities were destroyed, grew, and changing history moved the capital away from Camulodunum to Londinium. Of course, today these ancient names have become London and Colchester. How fascinating it is to read of the London Wall and the glimpses still available, the gateways that have now become familiar stops on the tube, such as Aldgate, and parts of the city such as Bishopsgate and Newgate.
Each chapter- Medieval to The Tudors; The Stuarts; The Victorians; The Edwardians, Art Deco, The Great Fire; Post War Design; The Georgians; Contemporary Architecture, Regency Styles and Twenty-First Century London – provides architectural detail supported by interesting historical background and explanation. Again, photographs enhance the text. Biographical information about the architects accompanies the story of their achievements, adding to the value of the information.
I thought the book ended rather abruptly after such a promising and almost poetic introduction and would have benefitted from a conversational conclusion. Perhaps as Colchester and London were linked at the beginning of the architectural history there could have been a concluding link. Just something to move back into that lovely history with which we were regaled in the early chapters would have really made the book for me.
However, that aside, what a marvellous companion Sian Lye’s The Architecture Lover’s Guide to London will make on my next trip to London – certainly I shall look at familiar buildings with a more well-educated sense of their development, their history and their creators.
Thank you NetGalley and Pen and Sword for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
I was thrilled to begin reading this thorough and fascinating book about a city I love – and have not been able to visit for over two years because of Covid. Nothing can replace being there but having Sian Lye’s guide is a very close second. Indeed, how much better my next trip will be with the knowledge from Lye’s book, even if many of the buildings are familiar already.
This is a valuable resource, written in the familiar Pen and Sword style with detailed research presented in an engaging and accessible approach. I particularly enjoyed the early discussion in the introduction which covered the Roman’s first settlement and a wonderful historical tour through Tudor times and afterwards, the Great Fire of 1666 and its consequences, through the Georgian, Regency periods to the Second World War, through to today. Some wonderful photographs (listed clearly) accompany this material.
Then to Chapter 1, the advent of Londinium in detail and its changing relationship with Camulodunum as cities were destroyed, grew, and changing history moved the capital away from Camulodunum to Londinium. Of course, today these ancient names have become London and Colchester. How fascinating it is to read of the London Wall and the glimpses still available, the gateways that have now become familiar stops on the tube, such as Aldgate, and parts of the city such as Bishopsgate and Newgate.
Each chapter- Medieval to The Tudors; The Stuarts; The Victorians; The Edwardians, Art Deco, The Great Fire; Post War Design; The Georgians; Contemporary Architecture, Regency Styles and Twenty-First Century London – provides architectural detail supported by interesting historical background and explanation. Again, photographs enhance the text. Biographical information about the architects accompanies the story of their achievements, adding to the value of the information.
I thought the book ended rather abruptly after such a promising and almost poetic introduction and would have benefitted from a conversational conclusion. Perhaps as Colchester and London were linked at the beginning of the architectural history there could have been a concluding link. Just something to move back into that lovely history with which we were regaled in the early chapters would have really made the book for me.
However, that aside, what a marvellous companion Sian Lye’s The Architecture Lover’s Guide to London will make on my next trip to London – certainly I shall look at familiar buildings with a more well-educated sense of their development, their history and their creators.
December 20, 2022
Thanks to Pen & Sword Books Ltd and Net Galley for a free ebook ARC of this title. Suni Lye's "The Architecture Lover's Guide to London" provides the armchair traveler/architectural history buff with an enjoyable journey through the city of London. Beginning with the ancient Roman Londinium, the twelve chapters of this book provides fascinating details about one of the most interesting cities in the world. Naturally, Lye includes some of the usual famous sites: the Tower of London, Westminster Palace, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. But other interesting facts that I didn't know were included, such as: 1. the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater can be found in the Guildhall Art Gallery; 2. the Queen's House being the first fully Classical style in England and having a beautiful feature known as the Tulip Staircase; 3. the brief yet fascinating history of 10 Downing Street and how its builder, Colen Campbell is known as the "Father of the Georgian Style"; 4. the first ever underground railway in the world was built in London in 1863. Also included are some brief profiles of certain architects whose works are discussed. For me, the most impressive of the bunch is Christopher Wren, without whom the London we know and love wouldn't exist This book was a pleasure to read. It allowed me to indulge my love of history, architecture, and travel all at once. I would definitely recommend that any who love those three tops read this book. It will definitely be worth it.
April 12, 2022
A big thank-you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for giving me a copy of this book for an unbiased review.
5/5 - Absolutely loved it.
I've read many London guidebooks and this is by far the best one I've ever read.
My complaint with other guidebooks is that they often spread themselves too thin, barely scratching the surface of what London offers, and often falling back on recommendations that could really be found just as easily on a blog online. Not this one. This book focuses on London's unique architecture and how the physical appearance of the city reflects its formation, history, and resilience. This book dives into the different eras in London's formation - from the Romans all the way up to the Gherkin - and highlights the major landmarks representative of that history that can still be seen today. It was absolutely fascinating to read about the many buildings I've seen countless times and to realize - wow, that's Edwardian, and those are the elements that make it so!
I found the presentation in this book to be very clear and informative, with fantastic examples of different architectural styles that really helped me learn both about London and architecture in general. The photos are also fantastic and the narration is direct, but interesting enough without being dry. I would really recommend this book to anyone visiting London.
5/5 - Absolutely loved it.
I've read many London guidebooks and this is by far the best one I've ever read.
My complaint with other guidebooks is that they often spread themselves too thin, barely scratching the surface of what London offers, and often falling back on recommendations that could really be found just as easily on a blog online. Not this one. This book focuses on London's unique architecture and how the physical appearance of the city reflects its formation, history, and resilience. This book dives into the different eras in London's formation - from the Romans all the way up to the Gherkin - and highlights the major landmarks representative of that history that can still be seen today. It was absolutely fascinating to read about the many buildings I've seen countless times and to realize - wow, that's Edwardian, and those are the elements that make it so!
I found the presentation in this book to be very clear and informative, with fantastic examples of different architectural styles that really helped me learn both about London and architecture in general. The photos are also fantastic and the narration is direct, but interesting enough without being dry. I would really recommend this book to anyone visiting London.
February 17, 2022
I have to admit I have read a lot about London and its architecture, it's a passion I have developed in the past 10 years or so. Therefore, I was familiar with all the buildings and styles in this book, but I still learned a few new things.
The book was interesting and easy to read even for someone who knows little about London buildings. I guess. I was also happy that there were photos of the buildings discussed.
It is not a very in-depth guide though, it's possibly addressed to people who know little about London architecture, but there is a problem with that. I am a Londoner with an interest in buildings and I know exactly where these buildings are and where I can find most of Christopher Wren's churches. But it's less accessible for someone who doesn't know London, as they would require other tools to find the buildings. I find that while there is a strong chronological perspective, there is hardly any geographical information. To have the address and the tube station of each building I believe would have been useful. I was given a free advanced copy by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book was interesting and easy to read even for someone who knows little about London buildings. I guess. I was also happy that there were photos of the buildings discussed.
It is not a very in-depth guide though, it's possibly addressed to people who know little about London architecture, but there is a problem with that. I am a Londoner with an interest in buildings and I know exactly where these buildings are and where I can find most of Christopher Wren's churches. But it's less accessible for someone who doesn't know London, as they would require other tools to find the buildings. I find that while there is a strong chronological perspective, there is hardly any geographical information. To have the address and the tube station of each building I believe would have been useful. I was given a free advanced copy by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2022
The author of this guide takes an historical approach to London’s architecture, beginning with medieval times and finishing with twenty-first century London. This is an ambitious undertaking. Since, of course, not all buildings can be included the author looks at structures that either exemplify their time of have significance to the city as readers are told in the introduction.
I very much like that the author includes a map with many key buildings marked. Just a few of the many sites included are the London Wall from Roman times, the White Tower, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, The Old Bailey, the Barbican Center and many more.
So, enjoy some armchair travel and facts in this well-written book that includes many photos. I enjoyed the time that I spent with this title imagining that I was once again able to embark on trips.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This title will be published on 28 Feb 2022
I very much like that the author includes a map with many key buildings marked. Just a few of the many sites included are the London Wall from Roman times, the White Tower, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, The Old Bailey, the Barbican Center and many more.
So, enjoy some armchair travel and facts in this well-written book that includes many photos. I enjoyed the time that I spent with this title imagining that I was once again able to embark on trips.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This title will be published on 28 Feb 2022
March 2, 2022
Princess Fuzzypants here: Momma and I read this book as an e-book ARC. Momma loves London so much and this was a great guide to the different eras and some of the best examples of the styles prevalent during those periods. We wish we had seen the book in full published form since I am sure the pictures would have been beautiful. So much so that I would suggest, even if you are used to e-books, to get the full appreciation, go for the hardcover.
Mixed in with the styles and brief biographies of the various architects who dominated each period, there are some lovely bits of history. I was particularly taken by the stories about Downing Street. I am sure Larry the Cat has his paws full with all the problems they have had in that building. And that is not including the politicians. A quick and entertaining read that would be a perfect guide to some of the more notable spots in London or a lovely trip down memory lane afterwards. Five purrs and two paws up.
Mixed in with the styles and brief biographies of the various architects who dominated each period, there are some lovely bits of history. I was particularly taken by the stories about Downing Street. I am sure Larry the Cat has his paws full with all the problems they have had in that building. And that is not including the politicians. A quick and entertaining read that would be a perfect guide to some of the more notable spots in London or a lovely trip down memory lane afterwards. Five purrs and two paws up.
March 27, 2023
This was mostly a history book. I enjoy history but I thought this book was rather dry. I was hoping for more of a guidebook for current sites with interesting architecture with their history as the background. The history does go up to nearly the present time.
There are some good photos. There is lots of information; the book is dense. I did learn a lot, though it’s not the sort of information that I’m likely to remember, at least no more so than from other books I’ve read, documentaries I’ve seen, etc.
I was hoping that little known out of the way buildings would be included but all the entries are well known structures.
I’ve borrowed and am reading a lot of these London, England, Scotland, Wales e-books and paper books from the library. I don’t think they’re the best books but they were immediately available. I’m in queues waiting for additional guide books.
The edition I borrowed was actually a Hoopla edition and not a Kindle edition.
2-1/2 stars
There are some good photos. There is lots of information; the book is dense. I did learn a lot, though it’s not the sort of information that I’m likely to remember, at least no more so than from other books I’ve read, documentaries I’ve seen, etc.
I was hoping that little known out of the way buildings would be included but all the entries are well known structures.
I’ve borrowed and am reading a lot of these London, England, Scotland, Wales e-books and paper books from the library. I don’t think they’re the best books but they were immediately available. I’m in queues waiting for additional guide books.
The edition I borrowed was actually a Hoopla edition and not a Kindle edition.
2-1/2 stars
March 6, 2022
This book takes readers on a brief history of London focusing on the main architectural styles. It provides examples of specific styles that can still be seen throughout London. The information in the book was written in a way that is approachable and not overwhelming to those who are unfamiliar with architecture. I appreciate that the book had both color photographs and drawings to help visualize what they were describing but I do wish there had been more included. This book is not a true guide book as there there is not detailed information abut how to get to the locations, hours of operation, etc. but it is a wonderful supplement to a more tradition guide book. I will pull it out on my next trip to London to add context to some of the buildings I will be seeing.
February 4, 2022
A beautifully photographed book of London that was far more informative than I was expecting. A true gem for any lover of architecture. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 1, 2022
A fast paced and comprehensive guide to different architectural styles in London.
It helped to understand thing I saw and it's handy it you want to learn something more.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It helped to understand thing I saw and it's handy it you want to learn something more.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 5, 2022
Such a perfect title for this book! Even if you just looked at the pictures you would love this book. There’s so much information it was very enjoyable.
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