Books matching: architectural history
82 result(s)
A richly detailed history lesson that transforms the way you look at the Louvre - ideal for lovers of history and architecture, but less so for those seeking an art guide or light reading.
'The Louvre: The Many Lives of the World's Most Famous Museum' by James Gardner delves into the history of the Louvre buildings over the centuries. It provides detailed accounts of the various additions and changes to the structure, offering a comprehensive look at how the building evolved into the renowned museum it is today. The writing style is informative and engaging, focusing on the historical significance of the Louvre rather than the art it houses. Readers appreciated the in-depth exploration of the architecture and the evolution of the museum itself, highlighting the rich history of the building and its role in French culture.
2019•447 pages- #2
Save:An exhaustive, passionate history of Barcelona that’s not a quick read, but rewards those willing to dive in. For fans of culture, art, and historical depth - absolutely worth it!
'Barcelona' by Robert Hughes delves into the architectural history of the city, focusing on the Modernisme Art Nouveau period. It also covers aspects of Catalan music, literature, and art, providing a comprehensive overview of Barcelona's significance. The writing style is described as direct and straightforward, offering readers a deep dive into the city's history, culture, and art scene. is considered an essential guide for those interested in the architecture and art of Barcelona, as well as its place in the Spanish economy.
Barcelona starts with the Romans. There are traces of an earlier Bronze Age people, known to the Romans as the Laietani, scattered across the coastal plain and up the flanks of Montjuic. But they were...June 1992•615 pages - #3
Save:A touching, brief, and beautifully told celebration of Notre-Dame and cathedral culture - perfect for curious minds and Follett fans, but perhaps too short for those seeking an in-depth history.
'Notre-Dame' by Ken Follett is a short, non-fiction work that delves into the history and significance of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Readers appreciated the insights provided by Follett on the cathedral's architecture, construction, destruction, and eventual restoration. offers a concise yet informative account of the cathedral, its importance, and the impact of the tragic fire that occurred in Notre Dame.
Follett's writing style in 'Notre-Dame' is described as brief, incisive, and filled with historic facts about the iconic Cathedral. is praised for its ability to convey the emotional connection people have with cathedrals, particularly Notre Dame, and to provide readers with a better understanding of the architectural wonders and the human effort behind these magnificent structures.
October 2019•86 pages - #4
Save:'From Bauhaus to Our House' by Tom Wolfe is a witty and entertaining critique of modern architecture, focusing on the influence of the Bauhaus School of Design on current design concepts and artistic philosophy. Wolfe's writing style is sharp, funny, and topical, providing a brief but sarcastic history of the failure of modern architecture. He delves into the societal impact of academia and the progression of architecture in the twentieth century, offering insights on how certain architectural movements have led to soulless and ugly buildings. The book also touches on Wolfe's observations on pretentiousness and the disfigurement of landscapes post-World War II.
1981•140 pages - #5
Save:A well-researched, atmospheric tale of secrets and ambition centered on one of NYC’s most iconic buildings - best for fans of historical fiction and dual timelines, but may not thrill everyone with its pacing or predictability.
Fiona Davis weaves a tale of two women, Sara Smythe from the late 19th century and Bailey Camden from 1985, whose lives are connected through The Dakota apartment building in New York City. The book explores scandal, secrets, intrigue, and family lineages, with a dual timeline structure that reveals historical details about the iconic building and the characters' intertwined stories. The plot unfolds through mystery and drama, drawing readers into the past and present of the landmark building.
After several years toiling as a maid and working her way up the ranks, she’d been awarded the position of head housekeeper at London’s Langham Hotel a month prior. One of her largest tasks was keepin...August 2017•384 pages - #6
Save:A charming, endlessly browse-able classic that explains how the world actually works - essential for curious minds of any age!
'The Way Things Work' by David Macaulay is a delightful and informative guide that explains how various mechanical devices and technologies work through whimsical illustrations and clear explanations. Starting with basic mechanisms and gradually progressing to more advanced technology, the book is enjoyable for readers of all ages. Readers can turn to any page and learn about a wide range of topics, from simple devices like locks and buttons to complex systems like nuclear reactors, all accompanied by handy illustrations that make the learning process engaging and accessible. The book's blend of educational content and charming illustrations has made it a favorite for readers interested in STEM topics or those who simply enjoy exploring how things work in a fun and informative way.
1988•391 pages - #7
Save:A well-researched dive into Gilded Age grandeur and heartbreak - perhaps more for historical explorers than casual readers, but a must for anyone curious about Biltmore or American high society.
"The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation's Largest Home" by Denise Kiernan is a nonfiction account detailing the construction and history of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina during America's Gilded Age. It delves into the story of George Washington Vanderbilt II, who envisioned and built the grand Biltmore as a summer retreat. explores the intricate details of the building, the surrounding landscape, the family dynamics, and the impact the estate had on the local community. Through engaging storytelling, the author brings to life the opulence and struggles of the Vanderbilt family, shedding light on their personal lives and societal contributions.
Edith Dresser was fifteen years old when her grandmother, Susan Elizabeth Fish LeRoy, decided that she and the Dresser children would leave their Rhode Island home for the Christmas season. The year w...September 2017•412 pages - #8
Save:A visually striking, atmospheric collection that spotlights the creepy-cool world of gargoyles, enhanced by King's moody commentary - perfect for fans of art books and the offbeat, but not for those seeking a traditional Stephen King story.
'Nightmares in the Sky' by Stephen King is a unique book that delves into the world of gargoyles through stunning photography and Stephen King's engaging writing style. King's essay sets the tone for the book, offering a mix of narrative and deductive reasoning about gargoyles. The book features captivating images of sculptures, mainly from buildings in NYC, that depict gargoyles as watchers looking down from places we seldom notice, sparking a desire in readers to explore and photograph gargoyles in European cities.
The book provides a fascinating commentary on gargoyles, portraying them as more than just grotesque figures but as characterizations of people when looked beyond the surface. King's contribution, although not the main attraction, adds a creepy vibe to the photographs and enhances the overall experience of the book. With a mix of narrative, photography, and King's unique style, 'Nightmares in the Sky' serves as a conversation starter and a visual journey through the world of architectural art.
October 1988•128 pages - #9
Save:Surprisingly gripping and packed with both drama and detail, this book is a must-read for history buffs or anyone curious about the hidden story of America’s military headquarters.
'The Pentagon: A History' by Steve Vogel delves into the story of the iconic Pentagon building, exploring its conception, design, construction, and historical significance. It covers key events such as the Vietnam War protests, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the subsequent reconstruction efforts. Through detailed accounts, the author sheds light on the complex political, engineering, and architectural aspects involved in the creation and evolution of the Pentagon. Readers are taken on a journey through time, witnessing the building's transformation from a symbol of military power to a site of resilience and remembrance.
Henry Stimson was agitated. At age seventy-three, the secretary of war was the elder statesman of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s cabinet in both age and demeanor, known for his dignity, wisdom, and...2007•657 pages - #10
Save:A classic for a reason: 'Castle' is a fascinating, beautifully illustrated look at medieval architecture and daily life - best suited for readers who love facts, history, and richly detailed drawings.
"Castle" by David Macaulay is an informative and detailed exploration of the history, construction, and design of a castle in Medieval Times. Through the use of fictional characters and a narrative approach, Macaulay explains the purpose, architecture, and culture of castles in 13th-century Wales. The book is filled with large black and white illustrations that accompany the text, providing a visual representation of the step-by-step process of building a castle and town in England during this time period.
The book is written in a clear and engaging manner, making it suitable for children interested in architecture, history, or medieval life. Macaulay combines informative text with detailed drawings to create a comprehensive picture of the castle-building process, including planning, funding, workers, tools, materials, defense, and offense. Overall, "Castle" serves as both an educational resource and an entertaining read for readers of all ages.
As soon as the preliminary work was under way, Master James and his staff began planning the entire complex. The castle was designed first. The most important considerations were that it be able to re...January 1977•80 pages
