The World's Greatest Buildings

This book discusses more than just buildings. It also covers bridges, tunnels and monuments. A better description would have been World's greatest structures. About 100 structures are discussed: ranging from prehistoric structures such as Stonehenge, to the Petrones Towers. The book is divided into seven chapters, each covering a different type of structure. These chapters cover: -- Places of Worship -- Castles, Palaces and Forts -- Centers of Power (government buildings) -- Designs for Living (houses) -- Learning and Leisure (libraries, museums and sports stadiums) -- Transport and Communication (bridges, train stations and communication towers) -- Monuments and Memorials Each chapter is introduced by two pages of text describing some of the general features of that type of structure. Then each structure is covered by a two-page section that consists of text (lavishly illustrated with color photographs) and drawings (some of which are cutaways that illustrate the relationship of interior to external features). There are brief inserts discussing the architects and builders of the structures, and some details about architectural features (such as different types of columns and arches). This is a handsome book, written for a general audience that is interested in an overview illustrated with many beautiful pictures and drawings. It is highly recommended for that audience. Serious students of architecture may find the text too brief and somewhat sketchy but they should still appreciate the high quality of the illustrations.