THE PICTURE HISTORY OF GREAT BUILDINGS

Chock-full of facts and decorated with sketches of more than 100 great buildings, this whirlwind world tour provides an introductory reference to architecture. From shelters built approximately 12,000 years ago through modern skyscrapers, readers will learn, period by period, about early cities of the Middle East, pyramids, monuments, bridges, churches and temples that represent most architectural styles throughout the world, as well as those who commissioned them and their architects, designers and builders. Sidebars filled with tiny text briefly describe access to and use of building materials and their impact on architecture. Moreover, Clements includes historical facts of interest to young readers, such as how construction of the World Trade Towers might have contributed to their collapse. References to unknown architectural terms will lead curious, sophisticated readers to the extensive glossary but may also frustrate and limit comprehension for those unwilling to thumb to the back of the book. Introductory and summary remarks express the author’s hopeful concern for future “careful planning” and building of “eco-friendly” cities. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)