The Dictionary of Islamic Architecture provides the fullest range of artistic; technical; archaeological; cultural and biographical data for the entire geographical and chronological spread of Islamic architecture - from West Africa through the Middle East to Indonesia; and from the seventh to the eighteenth centuries of the Common Era.Over 500 entries are arranged alphabetically and fully cross-referenced and indexed to permit easy access to the text and to link items of related interest.Four main categories of subject matter are explored:* dynastic and regional overviews* individual site descriptions* biographical entries* technical definitionsOver 100 relevant plans; sketch maps; photographs and other illustrations complement and illuminate the entries; and the needs of the reader requiring further information are met by individual entry bibliographies.
#4008884 in eBooks 2002-03-11 2002-03-11File Name: B000FBFAC2
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Brilliant HistoryBy Dave From OhioThis books is so much more than a simple history of the construction of three of NYCs iconic skyscrapers. (Chrysler Building; 40 Wall Street; Empire State) It gives a thorough and fascinating look at why these buildings were all built within months of each other; how they were designed and put together; and who came up with the plans and who did the actual construction. Architectural concepts are clearly explained as is the multitude of steps involved in actually erecting a skyscraper. However; this book is not meant just for trained architects; any reader who is interested in any of these three great buildings will be able to understand and visualize all that went into making them NYC landmarks. The book is also a great biography of all the men who designed; built; and paid for these projects. Most of all; this book is a great study of the decade in America when projects like this captivated a nation and the world.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Terrific read for anyone with an interest in architecture or 20th century American historyBy AdamA colleague of mine recommended this book to me and I absolutely loved it and have since recommended and lent it to friends. I had previously read Devil in the White City and this felt like a kind of sequel--the Chrysler Building was meant to beat the Eiffel Tower much the same way the Ferris Wheel was at the Chicago Worlds Fair.Bascomb does an excellent job mixing incredible architectural detail with a fresh narrative. Everything comes in context so you understand why the choice of materials matters; why the pace was so impressive; why the height was so important; and how the competition came to be. It was also a very nostalgic read in some ways--I read the book as the American auto manufacturers were in their bailout phase; and it was a bit odd at times to read about the grandeur and stature of the Chrysler building and then check the days headlines.The photographs by Margaret Bourke-White in the book were also breathtaking; particularly "the gargoyle shot" (youll know it when you see it).Incidentally; if youve ever seen the movie Two Weeks Notice; when Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant are taking a helicopter ride over the Manhattan skyline and Grant asks about the two partner architects that turned on each other to compete for the highest skyscraper in New York...thats this story.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A great storyBy Jan Klerks`Higher is the story about the race for the `highest building in the world; set in New York City in the late 1920s and early 1930s. It portrays the race between the Chrysler Building and the Bank of Manhattan Trust Building (aka 40 Wall Street; current The Trump Building); and when that is settled and done the Empire State Building moves in to beat them all. The book focuses on the architects and their commissioners; who are often self made man not shy of showing their success (which is in fact an American success) powered by the economic boom at the time. The story shows that these kind of skyscrapers really are the product of ego driven characters and economic acceleration. But there really isnt anything wrong with that for as such they are just a symbol of achievement over a rational product of urbanism.The book is full of quotes and it links the relations between the actors which give the book a lively edge; yet it reads as easily as a novel. There plenty of `gee; I didnt know that facts and details in it; all adding up to the excitement of the story (for example; the famous Chrysler Building spire was topped out one day before the infamous Wall Street crash). By focussing on a few main characters and the topic of height; the book doesnt dwell in all directions which it could have done so easily for it really is a fascinating story to tell. I wouldnt be surprised if this story will be made into a movie or tv series one day for this story and the way its being told really deserves that.