This fascinating study of the development of Western architecturefocuses on a unique selection of 52 buildings - mostly from the last300 years - examining why they have been designed in a particular way,the methods and materials used to construct them and their impact onthe development of construction technology.

The buildings have been chosen for their interesting history or design,or both, and are each beautifully illustrated as an architectural linedrawing. They range from St Pancras Hotel in London to the PennsylvaniaRailroad Station in New York City, to the Stoclet Palace in Brusselsand the Acropolis in Athens. Drawing on a range of subject matters,from art through to politics, economics and religion, the authorreveals a story about each of the buildings and the motivations of thesocieties, rulers or individuals that created them.