Architectural history is more than just the study of buildings. Architecture of the past and present remains an essential emblem of a distinctive social system and set of cultural values and as a result it has been the subject of study of a variety of disciplines. But what is architectural history and how should we read it?Reading Architectural History examines the historiographic and socio/cultural implications of the mapping of British architectural history with particular reference to eighteenth - and nineteenth-century Britain. Discursive essays consider a range of writings from biographical and social histories to visual surveys and guidebooks to examine the narrative structures of histories of architecture and their impact on perception adn understanding of the architecture of the past. Alongside this; each chapter cites canonical histories juxtaposed with a range of social and cultural theorists; to reveal that these writings are richer than we have perhaps recognised and that architectural production in this period can in interrogated in the same way as that from more recent past - and can be read in a variety of ways. The essays and texts combine to form an essential course reader for methods and critical approached to architectural history; and more generally as examples of the kind of evidence used in the formation of architectural histories; while also offering a thematic introduction to architecture in Britain and its social and cultural meaning.
#3358030 in eBooks 2003-09-02 2003-09-02File Name: B000PLXE02
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A fantastic look into the heart and mind of StingBy DharmakatI love all things Sting and couldnt wait to get this book. I didnt realize that it also includes notes made by Sting about what inspired him; what his meaning was about various lyrics and what was going on in/with the band(s) at the time. It covers his songs from the first Police album thru his Sacred Love album; 25 years of amazing lyrics! Im so happy to have this treasure!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ExcelentBy Amanda AcostaThe book is excellent and from Stings own words; is poetry in your hands at the moment you acquire it and not only that; the design of the cover is amazing; a delicate and transparent photo of Sting over his own words printed on the cover; for me a perfect combination of delicacy; elegance and sensitivity that comes with the inspired lyrics of his songs. I have to say that is very interesting to know why and how a song is inspired; how it became a reality and how it is considered by his own author then and now. Furthermore as Sting is my favourite artist this book increase my sense of admiration to him. However it is a pity not having all these stories for all the songs; just some of them; indeed some of my favourites dont have one ... However I dont regret having bought this book and can read it whenever my soul needs to be fed.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Sting may be the best songwriterBy Bryce WalkerGive him credit. The man knows music and lyrics.The product is excellent. Of particular entertainment value are the insightful introductions.I would have given the collection five stars had there been more.Sometimes the introductions come off a little too articulate. I appreciate Stings command of language; but I am more interested in his personal thoughts than in his doctorate dissertation.There are other great lyricists; one who may be more creative than Sting is Ian Anderson for example. But as far as addressing so many social issues with a mature and yet captivating "voice" there are none to compare.Keep writing Sting. Please.