The Story of Buildings: From the Pyramids to the Sydney Opera House and Beyond

I should start by saying that I do not consider myself a "reader". I own maybe 20 books (which, thanks to books like this, only recently hit double digits. Don't judge me). I am not a huge history buff or collector of coffee table books. I don't enjoy reading, per say, and the fact that this is an advanced picture book for adults that ANYONE would appreciate, is a huge plus to me. I seriously cant think of any type of person, no matter their passions or prejudices, that would not enjoy (at the very least) skimming through this book... but I bet they cant do it without stopping to look at every page a little longer than they expected.I love architecture, so I am partial in that regard, but this book is by far in the top 5 of my most treasured/ purchased possessions (we are gonna exclude kids artwork, family photos, wedding rings & obvious stuff with extreme sentimental family value).It details the majority of the world's most famous/ innovative/ intricate buildings throughout time, with beautiful artistic renderings & 3D pop ups... but what I love the most are the little "artifacts/ treasures" that are not part of the pop up page, but are secured in various places for you to take out and hold... for example, scales or tools used to design arches, miniature models, etc. It is worth it to get the best version you can get your hands on... just a few thoughts:1. If you are going to make sure you have the mint condition book, so that you have all the supplemental materials that are loose that are tucked inside the book in different ways... make sure that you do NOT let little kids play go through the book without you careful watching them. The little materials are way too tempting to not take back to their doll houses or tree forts or to draw a little person (you know, the ones with just a head, legs & arms... hahaha) on the cover of the booklet. I have a 5 & 8 year old, and I love them dearly... but I have no intentions of even telling them about this book for at least another 6 months. It is a coffee table book, for sure... unless you have kids... and then I would put it on the display shelf that's at eye level for company. Not kidding.2. There are quite a few loose/ supplemental items with this book, I don't even know how many there are in total. I would guess 8-12, at least? With that being said, just make sure you know what you are getting if you plan to pay more. There are other pop up books I think that you would still truly enjoy that are gently worn & even slightly torn/ bent... BUT THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM. The architecture pop ups are so intricate & detailed and beautiful, that you really should have the best condition book as possible to really see what the book can show you & use the supplemental materials that are originally included with it.3. Its a perfect, overall look at architecture... religious buildings, contemporary, classical, gravity defying... it explains them all. This book belongs in anyone's home that remotely loves architecture or construction, or the history of civilization/ innovation... or unique coffee table books (its pretty big in size, though). I would randomly give it as a gift to a college graduate, regardless of their degree, or as a wedding/ Christmas gift, regardless of occupation. I would give it as a birthday present, but only to someone that I tend to spend more money on for birthdays... so a spouse or parent or best friend... boss from an entire team... retirement gift... favorite college professor/ mentor... something more impactful & memorable than a bottle of wine or a tie....4. Your kids will probably fight over who gets to keep this book, when it gets passed down. It isn't a quick read, since there is so much to see... more the less, read... so you could even do a page a night with the kids at bedtime and it would take 1-2 weeks to get through it. Font is kinda small at times... so bring your glasses. And with kids, especially, I can see each page easily taking 30 minutes to get through..Hope I am not ruining this by setting your expectations too high... but honestly... I think the book will meet any expectation you have in your head, within reason of course... !!Enjoy!I'll try to remember to take some pictures of my book so you can see some of the loose items, etc.** I have done reviews for the other books that I consider almost as awesome... and are mostly pictures or pop-up books. Call me immature, but I focus on enough serious stuff all day long... I need some fun entertainment at night... except this is actually very advanced & is presented wonderfully **

One of the best educational books ever! This made me and my kids love and appreciate architecture. It tells the story of civilization through architecture in the most brilliant ways from the time of cavemen to now. Everyone should read this. If you really think about what the book tells you'll get more out of this book than any year of grade school history classes. great perfect illustrations too! I've bought this several times for gifts and it was always appreciated!

Loved! Got for a coffee table book and it’s perfect, great size and looks high quality

This is not as detailed as Patrick Dillon's other works, however, it does convey enough detail to capture the enjoyment of an adult and child reader. It is wordy for some, but not for a good co-read with parent and child, which makes the child more apt to pick it up and reread even if a bit above their level. My son has enjoyed it since his eighth birthday, and it holds his interest as a coffee table book as it is handsome read.

My 8 year old nephew loves this book. He is very intelligent for his age and is interested in architecture.

Good book about buildings - nice, but limited and elementary, history of the buildings featured. This was a gift for 12-year old interested in "building things" and architecture, so he loved it. As an adult and architect myself I found it interesting and well done for 4th thru 8th grades. Maybe applicable for older young adults and even adults, but pretty basic stuff if you know anything about buildings.The drawings are all isometrics and axonometrics - all pretty much cut from the same cloth. The consistency is nice for beginners, but loses its punch on about the fourth or fifth building. Again, great for elementary, a little too basic for older young adults. Nonetheless, great for our intentions.purchased July 2015

We bought it before our Europe trip. It’s a well written book and we learned a lot

This is by far the most interesting historic architecture book that I have purchased! The detailed drawings of the interiors and exteriors coupled with the historic descriptions really made it feel like I was getting an up close look at these famous structures. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!