<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Book of the Century!
Review: Banister Fletcher's classic work has been voted "Book of the Century" by the American Institute of Architects, the first time this award has ever been made.
Rating: 
Summary: It's just so.....juicy!
Review: For over a century, this has been THE classic study of the history of architecture. It is a work of art in it's own right and worth owning simply for the joy of hefting it's not inconsiderable weight and browsing once in a while - even as a layman. The text is extraordinarily readable and the illustrations are a delight. It's so packed full of information - believe me, even if you have only a limited interest in architecture you will learn a great deal that will surprise you from this book! Enthusiasts for classical and other older branches of architecture may wish to consider purchasing second-hand copies of older editions - they're somehow nicer, and devote less space to the debased modern form of the art. (Yes, I'm biased and proud of it!:) Of a reasonable collection of architectural history books, (including several larger-format, beautifully-illustrated coffee-table books in the modern style)this book is easily my favourite. It has class, style and above all, character. Buy it!
Rating:
Summary: Wow! Wow! Wow!
Review: If there ever was a book on the history of architecture this is it! So very well documented with numerous pictures and chronologies. Wow! the mother of all architecture books-well worth the price.
Rating:
Summary: Full of historical detail
Review: Mine is a new 1975 edition (which was a small fraction of the new price). It is as much a history of the world--and an incredibly detailed one--as a history of architecture. It opens each of its 40 chapters with a discussion of a civilization or era, then describes the buildings very matter-of-factly. Sometimes opinions emerge: Louis Kahn is cited as an example of a flash-in-the-pan; FLLW's Guggenheim is criticized as impractical.The photos are top quality B/W, often very old. Its real strength is early architecture; by chapter 35, it is only finishing up the Rennaissance. The authors are so knowledgeable, the writing so effortless, all others pale by comparison. I don't think there's much of a market for these books outside of libraries, but those who read it will marvel at its erudition.
Rating:
Summary: Architectural Bible
Review: The comparitive method used in this book is probably the best way of understanding architecture, and putting it into a modern perspective. The diagrams, tables, and charts allow the reader to analize, compare, and then take their own conclusions from the material. It is the quitessential architectural reference book.
Rating:
Summary: The Best
Review: This is the best book written on architecture history. I have used it many times and I'm not an architect nor an architecture student. You can't go wrong with this for anyone who enjoys architecture or an architect. A wonderful gift!
Rating:
Summary: The Best Complete Book on Western Architecture
Review: Without a doubt, this text is the Quintessential Gold Standard for introductory Western Architecture. A must have for anybody who is serious about learning about how Western Architecture has evolved over time, and with little if any bias. Its only weak area is with architectural development in Asia and South/Central Meso America. Other than that, this is my third copy of the text and it just keeps getting better. Believe me when I say, this is one book you may never want to loan out, for it may not get returned. I know, it's happened to me once already.
<< 1 >>
| 
