Architecture: From Pre-history to Postmodernism

by Marvin Trachtenberg

Moving back and forth between the long shot on historical trends and close-ups on major works and crucial architectural themes, this insightful, lively and original analysis also accepts the conventional period and thematic structures of architectural history and the canon of great buildings. Designed to help readers understand and appreciate what great architecture is in its full dimensions of use, structure and aesthetic qualities as well as its history, this lavishly illustrated book explains specific qualities of each period and the often-complex illuminating differences between the periods. This comprehensive volume examines all aspects of architectural history from the Ancient world, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Baroque periods through the modern world. For historians and architectural enthusiasts.

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction, Textbooks, History, Reference, Art, Urbanism

648 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Zane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I use this book for all my architecture history exams. A lot of information, except the 20th century. a lot of very significant periods and movements are not even mentioned. It lacks a bit wider view on the history of architecture in other parts of the world in the 20th century, it only mentions USA, a bit of Europe and only a few paragraphs of Scandinavia.

Photo's are of a very good quality, the 'why' of a movement through the history is very well explained.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of good information and articulation of important works. Kind of a tough read for undergraduates, but it makes you look up vocab. I would like to see a 2nd book on Architecture after 1980's