Buildings That Changed the World (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Bernhard Graf (Author), Christopher Wynne (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Graf and Reichold (coauthors of Paintings That Changed the World) define their selection of buildings/structures that "changed the world" in terms of providing "the stuff of history." Less an architectural history than a cultural and historical journey, their text chronicles 86 notable world structures, including fortresses, castles, palaces, bridges, churches, and temples. As with any "best-of" list, some inclusions (Goetheanum by Rudolf Steiner) and other exclusions (any modern high-rise building such as the Seagram's Building or Lever House) are open to question. The large format and profuse illustrations (more than 400, mostly in color) provide a visually stimulating, if not an intellectually challenging, introduction to many architectural icons. The travelog-style narrative limits the book's usefulness in academic collections, but this is highly recommended for popular collections.
-Jay Schafer, Bay Path Coll. Lib., Longmeadow, MA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A richly illustrated journey through the world and 4,000 years of architectural history." -- Star Tribune, December 2005

"A satisfying blend of striking photos and technical detail… the real surprise lies in a lively writing style." -- Midwest Book Review, December 2005

"The authors display history, art and architectural magic – perfect for any armchair traveler… Packed with gorgeous photography and illustrations." -- Reader's Digest, January 2005

"This book offers an unconventional and magnificent journey that spans the globe. An easy and approachable style..." -- Times-Picayune, January 2005 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 191 pages
• Publisher: Prestel; illustrated edition edition (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3791321501
• ISBN-13: 978-3791321509
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,193,099 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Needs a Second Edition, April 1, 2000

By A Customer

I was enthralled in the book. Buildings that Changed the World is a spectacular photographic adventure. For anyone that loves history and architecture it is a fantastic book to look at. Reading, however, is different. The author, understandably, has little room to explore the different intrigues of every building. There are fantastic stories to some of these buildings that are not mentioned. Again, I do understand the limited space but I would love to see a second edition to this book that goes into the buildings more in depth. The author uses the Kremlin as a whole but, I believe that the buildings individually should have been addressed. Specifically, St. Basil's Cathedral which has a fantastic history of construction under Ivan the Terrible.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A worthwhile buy, April 30, 2003

By	Luiz Valério de Paula Trindade (São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil) - See all my reviews

The first time I saw this publication was on a book fair in São Paulo and I found it amazing from the very first moment. I bought it from Amazon some weeks later and it really paid its value.

It covers the story behind each building that have become world famous landmarks.

You can go directly to a specific building you're interested in or read it throughly from beginning to end. Both ways you'll be pleased and surprised with the information provided.

The only thing that disappointed me was the very little coverage on South American landcaspes such as Machu Pich ruins Oscar Nyemeyer's Brasília

However, it's an excelente book anyway. If you do appreciate good architecture, you won't regret buying it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Architectural Survey, March 26, 2009

By	Stacey L. Kimmerer "all purpose human" (Lexington Kentucky) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Buildings That Changed The World (Paperback)

I got this book for my boys, 8 and 11, who both like to look at buildings and building design. It was very engaging for them, enough good photos and enough text to be interesting but not too arcane. Recommend it for any building buffs of any age.