Built to Last [Hardcover]

David Macaulay (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 2010

This new book—inspired by three classic, award-winning books—reveals the how and why behind some of the most fascinating and enduring structures humankind has ever created. Macaulay has revised texts based on new research, created gorgeous new drawings, in some cases wholly re-imagined scenes from the books—bringing Castle and Cathedral to life in full-color for the very first time. The resulting illustrations add to the reader’s understanding of these buildings, capturing intriguing new perspectives and a depth of detail in structure and atmosphere.
This impeccably researched volume is not only a necessary addition to the bookshelf of any David Macaulay or architecture fan, but will delight readers of all ages who are experiencing his work for the first time.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Product Description

This new book—inspired by three classic, award-winning books—reveals the how and why behind some of the most fascinating and enduring structures humankind has ever created. Macaulay has revised texts based on new research, created gorgeous new drawings, in some cases wholly re-imagined scenes from the books—bringing Castle and Cathedral to life in full-color for the very first time. The resulting illustrations add to the reader’s understanding of these buildings, capturing intriguing new perspectives and a depth of detail in structure and atmosphere.

This impeccably researched volume is not only a necessary addition to the bookshelf of any David Macaulay or architecture fan, but will delight readers of all ages who are experiencing his work for the first time.

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Bonus Content: Sketches from the Author
(Click on Images to Enlarge)

A reference model for the ribs of the vaulting on the roof truss

Laying out the drawing of the roof trusses

A quick reference model for the roof trusses

An early sketch of the flying buttresses and one gargoyle

Author modeling for the drawing of King Edward I. Note the headband and royal Tin Tin watch

Sketch for the kitchen scene while making dinner fit for a king

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From School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up–Three of Macaulay's classic construction books, Castle, Cathedral, and Mosque, are combined in one volume, with a wealth of new material added. Rather than merely colorizing the original lines of the first two, the artist created all new illustrations and reworked most of the text for consistency and accuracy. Felt-tipped markers and colored pencils offer striking new views in Castle and Cathedral, matching the depth, detail, and clarity of the earlier versions without the extensive crosshatching used in the original black-and-white drawings. The content of some pictures has changed, frequently adding to the human stories that are told along with the construction. The architectural complexities of the church come through in both versions of Castle, for example, but the new one subtly adds the emotional element of a funeral in progress in the background. Other changes add key steps not covered previously, such as roofing the crypt in Cathedral. Some written passages are expanded and others are more concise, depending on the topic. Some steps, such as the window-making in Cathedral, are placed earlier or later within the narrative. While the first two titles are fully revised works, Mosque remains mostly unchanged, beyond some minor text editing; with a few exceptions, such as the addition of towels for the bathing men, the illustrations are identical. Though most libraries won't want to discard their copies of Cathedral and Castle, the new color artwork and updated content give this three-books-in-one volume high value and strong appeal.–Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, ORα(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: HMH Books; 1 edition (October 25, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0547342403
• ISBN-13: 978-0547342405
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 0.9 x 11.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #86,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #62 in Books > History > Europe > Wales

More About the Author

David Macaulay is an award-winning author and illustrator whose books have sold millions of copies in the United States alone, and his work has been translated into a dozen languages. Macaulay has garnered numerous awards including the Caldecott Medal and Honor Awards, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, the Christopher Award, an American Institute of Architects Medal, and the Washington Post-Children's Book Guild Nonfiction Award. In 2006, he was the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, given "to encourage people of outstanding talent to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations." Superb design, magnificent illustrations, and clearly presented information distinguish all of his books. David Macaulay lives with his family in Vermont.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great price for 3 books in 1!! May 18, 2011

By S. Siepel VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Built to Last is a compilation of David Macaulay's books Castle,Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction and Mosque. At $10 on Amazon, this hardbook book is hard to beat. My nine-year-old-Lego-loving-son thoroughly enjoys browsing through the pages of this fantastic book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing! May 19, 2013

By Courtney

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

What an amazing book! My son was completely enthralled (as was his dad to be honest). The pictures are so intricate and well drawn and the descriptions are perfectly suited for children. I can't say enough good things about this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great educational fun book. January 23, 2013

By S. W. Conley

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

David Macaulay's books are written so a teen or younger can understand, but are actually fascinatingly educational for adults too. I have a Ph.D in engineering and still love to read them.