Outline of English Architecture by A. H. Gardner

Title: Outline of English Architecture

Author: A. H. Gardner

First Published: 1946

No. of Pages: 114

Synopsis: A general overview of architecture in Britain from the 11th Century to the modern day (circa the 1940's).

Fiction or Nonfiction: Nonfiction

Comments and Critique: Despite its brevity, this book is packed with information. It provides a wonderful introduction to English architecture, designed for the non-professional reader. The author presents the material in everyday language that is easily understood (although someone with no knowledge of basic architectural terms may wish to have a dictionary or other reference book nearby), and includes interesting asides, such as the etymology of various terms and brief historical references to put things in context. In addition, the book is teeming with photographs (154, to be exact), which help to fully illuminate the information provided. The photos are all black-and-white; color would be nicer, but perhaps color illustrations were not the norm at the time of publication. While the target audience of this type of book will be limited, this particular book is highly recommended to those with a taste for the subject.

Challenges: 999 ("Dewey Decimal"); Dewey Decimal