Architecture: The Whole Story

This latest addition to the Whole Story series offers an encyclopedic and lavishly illustrated survey of architecture throughout human history. Sweeping in reach and exhaustive in detail, Architecture: The Whole Story is an indispensible reference for anyone interested in the evolution of our built environment. Ranging chronologically from the Neolithic period to the sustainability movement of today, it looks at hundreds of examples of structures, their designers, and their contextual significance. Through lively spreads that feature entire buildings as well as close examinations of specific features, this book offers an informed and accessible survey of architecture from every era and continent. Readers will learn about the Egyptian pyramids and Neo-Sumerian tombs, the “lost” city of Machu Picchu, Chinese pagodas, Japanese temples, and much more. The classic Western styles of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque are covered as well as Colonial, Regency, Beaux-Arts, Art Deco, and Utopian, among others. Accompanying the spreads on key buildings by various architects are brief essays addressing major styles and tendencies, while a timeline of significant developments also runs throughout the volume. Smart, practical, and affordable, this book is an incomparable resource that offers all the tools necessary to appreciate the places where we live, work, worship, and recreate.