Architecture (Eyewitness Companions Series)

Explore the world's greatest buildings! Architecture is filled with amazing illustrations and photographs that take you to the heart of the world's landmark buildings. Get the opportunity to look beyond the facade. Examine materials and technology that shape buildings, and identify the key elements and decorative features of each architectural style. This is the best definitive visual guide on architecture; it covers 5,000 years of architectural design, style, and construction from airports to ziggurats.

Library Journal

DK's "Eyewitness Companions" series, which covers such topics as art, classical music, golf, and wine, seems to encompass a trove of visual guides for basic personal reference. In this kaleidoscopic volume, Glancey (architecture & design editor, Guardian; The Story of Architecture) examines 5000 years of architecture throughout the world. In well-executed and consistent writing, he briefly introduces each era and region, then touches on significant buildings and complexes (e.g., the Parthenon, the Sydney Opera House). However, he can cover only highlights in the 500-odd pages allotted, and he is also hampered by the 5" x 9" format. It's such a squeeze-the text, images, captions, sidebars, time lines, and headings-that many photos are miniaturized. Cover hype aside, this book can't challenge truly definitive works such as Spiro Kostof's A History of Architecture: Settings and Rituals. However, it does offer an accessible and inexpensive outline of the subject. A basic glossary is a helpful appendix. Recommended for small public and high school libraries.-David R. Conn, Surrey P.L., B.C. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.