Jerusalem Architecture [Hardcover]

David Kroyanker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2003

For Christians and Muslims alike, Jerusalem is an architectural wonder. It is also a living, vital city whose accomplishments in mass housing, public monuments, private dwellings, and urban planning rival those of the venerated past. This book is the first complete one-volume survey of architecture in Jerusalem, beginning with the vestigial remains of the First Temple Period, the Roman and Byzantine eras, the arrival of Islam, the Crusader Kingdom, the Mamluks, and the Ottomans. For Jerusalem, the modern age began in the mid-nineteenth century with the first vigorous surge of new building since the 1600s, when Suleiman the Magnificent had the city fortified with the splendid circuit of high crenelated walls that give Jerusalem its legendary fairy-tale look. Written by a leading Israeli preservationist and architectural historian, under the auspices of the Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies, this invaluable book comes fully illustrated, with a brilliant array of maps, drawings, and photographs, hundreds in color and most of them specially commissioned.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

While tracing the architectural history of Jerusalem from earliest times to the present, Kroyanker covers not only the city's long history but also its many noteworthy buildings succinctly and with illuminating insights. The author examines the "structure and texture" of the ancient city and its development through the Ottoman period. Building in the new city by different ethnic groups is then discussed, followed by a discussion of the urban planning under the British Mandate. The period from 1948 to 1993 provides some particularly interesting views of the attempts to incorporate modern architecture into the ancient fabric of the city. While the book's numerous beautifully reproduced illustrations are a pleasure to look at, Kroyanker's knowledge makes reading the text very worthwhile. This is a volume for specialists and general readers alike.?Martin Chasin, Adult Inst., Bridgeport, Ct.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 230 pages
• Publisher: Vendome Press; 2 Revised edition (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0865651477
• ISBN-13: 978-0865651470
• Product Dimensions: 13 x 10.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,252,930 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From imagination to reality, May 25, 2004

By 

Mikhael Eliyahou (Jerusalem, Israel) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jerusalem Architecture (Hardcover)

David Kroyanker has written a scholarly survey of architecture for the 3000-some years of Jerusalem's history. Perhaps more importantly for most of its audience, it is also a beautiful album of 700 photographs and illustrations, perfect for perusal on an end table or display stand. Even for those residents and tourists who have ready access to the city's neighbourhoods and ancient monuments, its bird's-eye views and snapshots from inside some of its exclusive places of worship are refreshing and educational.

This is not primarily a history book, although one will learn much of the history of various kingdoms who have conquered the city and contributed to its architecture. There is emphasis on the fascinating recycling of stones and decorations through the centuries.

Jerusalem has a certain mythology to it, and this work will help to add reality to the imaginary status many have given to the Holy City. It is also not a book that champions any particular religious cause. It simply the facts. Toward this end, consider the introduction on the inside jacket: "Jerusalem, ancient city sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, is an architectural wonder with a history of building that extends over three thousand years. It is also a living, vital city -- the New Jerusalem, capital of a modern state...." These are the facts. One also cannot avoid the fact that the State of Israel is responsible for renovating and revitalisating its Old City districts, which were following into ruin until the 20th century. One should, in comparison, take a brief look at the editorial reviews on this page, and one will notice some peculiar editing being practiced. Notice anything missing?

Finally, I would like to mention that it will be clear to the reader of this work that Jerusalem is NOT a "mecca", as entry is forbidden to noone based on race or religious affiliation. All are welcome in this city that is the centre of the world.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MECCA FOR MANY, April 11, 2004

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Jerusalem Architecture (Hardcover)

Jerusalem, the one city that is sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims is mecca for many. Not the least of its wonders is its building, which has occurred over 3,000 years.

This coffee table volume beautifully presents both the historic old city and the bustling metropolis in a series of remarkable photographs, maps, and drawings.

Beginning with the remains of the First Temple Period and continuing to Jerusalem's modern age that began in the 1850s, this unparalleled place is brought to vivid life.

Especially in light of what is happening theree today this is a volume to be treasured.

5.0 out of 5 stars Husband Loves His Gift of Jerusalem Book!, November 9, 2011

By 

carol (Coquitlam, BC, Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Jerusalem Architecture (Hardcover)

Beautiful and informative. My husband and I would love to get to Jerusalem some day, but in the meantime, this book enables us to have an educated eye when we do finally arrive there. Nice enough for coffee table reading. Highly recommended.