Product Description

This book presents an original and easily accessible approach to understanding and exploring London's immensely diverse architecture. Because of its size and the number, complexity, and sheer variety of structures in the city, not unplanned, but without an overall plan, it is more difficult to gain an understanding of London's development as a whole than it is with many other world cities such as Rome, Paris or New York. It can no longer be encapsulated in a single view or narrated as a single story, so this book approaches it selectively and thematically, looking at elements of the architecture and services: domestic, commercial, religious and institutional. There are chapters on houses and on apartments as well as on offices and churches, and on government buildings. There are sections for example on schools and on railway stations, on shops and on pubs, on parks and on buildings for sport. Extensively illustrated and richly informed the book treats of both the masterpieces and of the ordinary, and ranges from the middle ages to the immediate present.It culminates in 12 architectural walks, each carefully planned to explore a diversity of buildings and architectural heritage, and ranging from the central City and Westminster to the inner and outer suburbs.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #107086 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
This book is the perfect preparation for a sightseeing trip to the capital as it focuses the mind of the visitor on specific themes such as housing, office buildings, or churches, before delineating a dozen walks through such varied locations as the East End, Hampstead and Whitehall. --Good Book Guide

There is a huge choice of books on the architecture of London, but I haven't found a book recently which tells the story in a user-friendly style, while also being scholarly and detailed. Discovering London's Buildings certainly fits those criteria and is an excellent introduction to the subject... The books is also well illustrated which adds greatly to its value. --Museum of London Friends News

This book is about discovery in the fullest sense: not only finding out which buildings are where, but also understanding why they were built and why they look as they do. Written with huge knowledge, with perceptive photographs by Scott Forrester and clear maps by Andrew Donald, it is also extremely readable... A marvellous introduction to the richness of London building from its beginnings right up to the 21st century. --Country Life

About the Author
John Bold teaches in the School of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of Westminster. He is the author of the standard book on Greenwich. Tanis Hinchcliffe teaches in the School of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of Westminster. She is also the author of North Oxford.

Customer Reviews

Illuminating, fresh approach
Whether you are seeking to know London better, or are already an expert or guide, this book is immensely satisfying.

It has chapters covering first, the general history of the buildings, and then under topics such as "Markets", etc. The whole range of artchitecture, both ancient and contemporary, is addressed with engaging, informed writing and gorgeous photographs.

Then the authors move on to twelve walks not only the City of London and the West End but outlying areas such as Greenwich (south of the river) and Hampstead (up in northwest London).

Of course the book is a gift to all London professionals or guides, who will find their enthusiasm fired and their knowledge freshened. It's a coffee-table-top item but unlikely to sit around gathering dust. Although too heavy to take out on the street, it's highly usable. For novices or people who haven't been, the readable text and beautiful pictures will whet your appetite.

Discovering London
Having lived in London most of my life I thought I knew it pretty well. This book on walks has introduced me to areas and buildings that I've not explored before. My friends and I have been trying out the walks and it is fantastic discovering London with the aid of this book as it is so informative. Also the photographs of buildings and views are stunning.

London's Buildings.
This book was well received by the person for whom it was especially
chosen. A keen visitor to London, he intends to use it regularly as a tool for discovering the city's buildings in an organised and informative manner.