Synopsis
An engrossing guided tour of some of the world's greatest buildings awaits readers of this unique tribute to excellence and innovation in architecture. The book is divided into ten chapters, ranging from antiquity to modernism and beyond, each written by by an eminent specialist. Following an introductory overview of the period are commentaries on the critic's fifteen personal favorites from that era. Each absorbing, self-contained essay covers who built the featured structure and why, technical and design details, and the broader social context in which it was created.
The contributors' choices give the reader an enormously varied selection that includes world-famous masterpieces such as the Parthenon and Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater alongside lesser-known architectural treasures that have, until now, been the private pleasures of the experts.
Booknews
Ten architectural critics, each specializing in a distinct period, identify and describe their 15 favorite works from their era of expertise. The result is a chronological tour of Western architecture, from the classical period to the end of the millennium. Each building is described in detail, with information on its design, construction, and materials, as well as the social context in which it was created. Color photographs are featured throughout. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)