This lavishly illustrated two volume set provides an authoritative, mulitcultural narrative of architectural evolution from the earliest civilisations to contemporary times. Featuring more than 1,000 colour photographs, artistic renderings, diagrams, and floor plans, it introduces readers of all ages to the rich history of architecture -- its terms, concepts, theories, and styles. The set also examines the world's great architectural landmarks and history's great architects in the context of their cultures and times.

Volume I explains the history and evolution of architecture in practical terms. It explores the relationships between people and space, natural and human environments, and surveys basic building types and functions, techniques, materials, and structural elements of the building arts. A review of major architectural styles reflects technical advances, political and cultural influences, and great religious movements in the sweep of world history.

Volume II provides an informative and visually compelling retrospective of the world's great civilisations and their architectural masterpieces -- from ancient tombs, royal palaces, and imperial residences to churches, fortresses, theaters, train stations, factories, and government buildings. The lives and works of preeminent architects in every period -- from the classical and medieval masters to I.M. Pei, Frank Gehry, and Santiago Calatrava -- are also covered in lively, fact-filled text and complementary colour