A History of Western Architecture

by David Watkin

Book Overview

In his highly acclaimed reference work David Watkin traces the history of western architecture from the earliest times in Mesopotamia and Egypt to the eclectic styles of the twenty-first century. The... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0760702527
• ISBN13: 9780760702529
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble
• Length: 607 Pages
• Weight: 4.00 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Expanded Version of an Old Favorite

This is the fourth edition of this monumental book. This edition has been expanded to include additional coverage of Egyptian and Mesopotamian architecture at the early end, and the coverage of the architecture of the twentieth century has been greatly expanded. There is also expanded coverage of the architecture from Asia, particular that of Japan. The book now has 50 color and 931 black and white photographs. Most of these are from Europe, but the rest of the world does have some coverage. The increased size and scope of the book now presents a continuous coverage of the evolution of architecture from the earliest building, about 5000 B.C. to buildings constructed in the twenty first century. It is the most complete single volume history of architecture available and it's new edition is greatly improved. The author, David Watkin is Professor of the History of Architecture at the University of Cambridge.

improper details

First time I read D. Watkin's book almost 10 years ago. Basically, it is a comprehensive and detailed throughout. However, I was struck by one 'little' improper detail - instead of the picture of Haja Sophia (St. Sophia Cathedral) in Kiev built in 11 cent. I found a picture of a Neo-Byzantine style church which dates to the beginning of the 20 cent. I'm just curious is it that difficult for a recognized art historian to tell the difference? Or it's just a matter of 'neglegence'? In 1996 I wrote a letter to the Publishing house and recieved a nice answer saying that in the case of the third print they would definitely check and replace the picture with the proper one. No changes so far.

A History from Ancient Rome to the Present, Well Illustrated

Suprisingly the book begins with Ancient Rome, leaving the Caves, Stonehenge, and Egypt out, but as a result has more time to explore Western Architecture in greater depth for a Survey Book. The photographs are excellent, with many in color.