Round Buildings, Square Buildings, and Buildings that Wiggle Like a Fish

by Philip M. Isaacson

Philip M. Isaacson takes readers on a personal tour of buildings around the world, from places of worship, fortresses, and air terminals to bridges, windmills, and fishing shacks. Along the way they learn the many elements that give buildings their flavor and character.At once informative and beguiling, this striking introduction to architecture encourages readers to look for beauty where they may have never looked before.

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction, Art

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Melissa]

Twenty years ago, this children’s book was my introduction to the study of architecture. I’ve never looked at buildings the same way since. Isaacson takes the reader on a leisurely, respectful tour of buildings around the world: churches, houses, museums, lighthouses, all kinds of structures, from the humble to the magnificent.

In simple, straightforward prose he discusses various architectural concepts such as the impact of building materials, the interplay of light and color, and the significance of roof shape. His stunning photographs turn even the roughest earthen hut into a work of art. His lyrical text helps us see in the pictures what we might otherwise have missed. A wholly enchanting book.

Origninally posted at Here in the Bonny Glen.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remind my nephew about gardening, building things and still pray I can convince him there are fairies. He was Darth Maul for Halloween, He wanted to be him because "he was on the bad side". Who knows where he gets it from but this book will give him food for thought when he is walking the streets of New York with his mama and daddy.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

A trivia torrent. A shallow text with big photos. And very little understanding. Roman architecture becomes "built by Romans".

[Erin Reilly-Sanders · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the idea of this book but felt that it didn't come together well. The photos are beautiful photos, but often sacrifice the ability to show what a building looks like in favour of an artistically interesting image. They also tend to include more than one building, which I think would be confusing to the children who the book is supposedly for. Several of them have scaffolding in the picture which I also found to obfuscate. The book contains great footnotes on each building that would have made a great caption for each rather hiding them in the back until the building can no longer be remembered. I thin the book could do with a pretty major overhaul, also increasing the size of the pictures and getting rid of a lot of the white background. It seems like an architect trying to make a kids book and ending up making a rather unattractive coffee table book for adults. I did like the poetry of the text but it also uses long names that would mean nothing to children and too complex words. Anyway, it's unique but unsuccessful and mostly interesting to architects and architectural scholars.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The promise of this children’s book:
“We’re going to look at many beautiful buildings to help us understand more about harmony. You’ve heard of some of the buildings. You may have even seen, or someday will see, some of them. Others are not famous at all and you may never see them. But famous or not, all of them share in the same magic, the magic of harmony.”
Absolutely delivers.
In this book are wonderful selections of interesting buildings, great photography, and a voice that does not talk down to the audience.
Delightful, truly.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author somehow made architecture incredibly fascinating for older children. He sees through the facade (literally) to what really makes buildings beautiful. He brings the art to the surface....in a non-sappy way. Very well done!

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but I already know a bit about art and architecture. The book is beautiful and the pictures give clean examples of interesting architecture. However, there is not enough explanation or introduction for students unless they are already students of art.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

TUL

[Anthony Faber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kids' book about architecture. He looks at lots of buildings and talks about how they make you feel and why.