The Story of Architecture [Hardcover]

Jonathan Glancey (Author), Sir Norman Foster (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0789459655 | ISBN-13: 978-0789459657 | Publication Date: October 1, 2000 | Edition: 1st

In this inspiring and innovative overview, Jonathan Glancey brings a fresh approach and unique personal insights into the continuing story of 5,000 years of world architecture. From the ziggurat at Ur to the Buddhist temples of Southeast Asia via Romanesque arcades, Gothic steeples, Baroque palaces, and Modernist apartment buildings, this accessible and lively narrative reveals the geographical, historical, and cultural influences that permeate these structures. Significant stylistic developments in architecture are also highlighted, while the structural and technical innovations that enabled architects to progress are skillfully introduced and clearly explained. Throughout this richly illustrated history, special features are devoted to the world's most influential and innovative architects, from Palladio to Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright. These features showcase the architects' masterpieces and offer absorbing glimpses into their lives. Lavishly illustrated, stylishly presented, and written with both authority and flair, this exceptional book is guaranteed to appeal to the informed enthusiast and curious newcomer alike.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jonathan Glancey lives in London and is Architecture and Design Editor of The Guardian, author of several architecture books and a regular TV and radio broadcaster who has written and presented programmes for the BBC and Channel 4. He has been assistant editor of the Architectural Review, editor of The Architect, and has contributed to a number of architectural and design magazines in Europe and the US. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT; 1st edition (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789459655
• ISBN-13: 978-0789459657
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #912,856 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent (and opinionated) survey, September 7, 2003

By 

Robert J. Crawford (Balmette Talloires, France) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Story of Architecture (Hardcover)

THis is a very, very good introduction to the complexities of architecture, at about the freshman level of college. Starting with the dawn of civilization (in what is now Iraq), Glancey takes the reader on a tour of human history from the angle of what we build to worship, work, and live in. THe basics are covered extremely well, providing a context for further research.

Glancey writes with grace and clarity, dividing each major movement into regular cuts of two pages, each with brilliant images. While this format shoehorns things into categories that are a bit too sharply delineated, that kind of reductionism is a necessity in this kind of survey. In the latter part of the book, some of the distinctions appear artificial, but then we are in a period where no dominating style - you get post-modern, decontructivist, and organic, etc. - has emerged and the author had to make some decisions regarding how to put them in the format. To his credit, Glancey does not ignore the exceptions and quirks.

One thing I enjoyed about the book is that Glancey does not shy away from making strikingly loud judgements, many of which I did not share. Corbusier, he writes, "was the most inventive and poetic architect who ever lived." Now that is strong stuff and I would never have expected it in a routine survey! (While I can respect and understand what Corbusier did, I don't love it like Glancey.) But that is what makes this book more than a run of the mill overview - it adds flavor and stimulates. Also, while international, because Glancey is a Brit, much of it focuses on Britain and contemporary Europe, which provides a valuable contrast to more US-centric views.

Recommended.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars new architecture student, January 18, 2001

By 

Amanda Cannon (College Park, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Story of Architecture (Hardcover)

As a freshman architecture student, this book was exactly at my level. The photographs are splendid, and the dialogue informative. This book provides a complete history of architecture in every area of the world, as well as some theory. Great for anyone truly interested in architecture, but not an expert (yet!)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine introduction., August 5, 2005

By 

Steven Larsen (Philadelphia, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Story of Architecture (Paperback)

I was looking for a readable inroduction to varied styles and history of architecture that was jargon free but not overly simplified. This book did the job well. Perhaps Glancey could have provided a bit more text to go along with the beautiful pictures, but he still informs.

Recommended for newcomers or those with an incomplete education in the field of architecture.