A History of Architecture: Settings and Rituals. Este artículo no está disponible.A History of Architecture: Settings and Rituals

When the late Spiro Kostof's A History of Architecture appeared in 1985, it was universally hailed as a masterpiece―one of the finest books on architecture ever written. Now, updated and expanded, this classic reference continues to bring to readers the full array of civilization's architectural achievements.

Insightful, engagingly written and graced with close to a thousand superb illustrations, the Second Edition of this extraordinary volume offers a sweeping narrative that examines architecture as it reflects the social, economic, and technological aspects of human history. The scope of the book is astonishing. Kostof examines a surprisingly wide variety of man-made structures: prehistoric huts and the TVA, the pyramids of Giza and the Rome railway station, the ziggurat and the department store. Kostof considered every building worthy of attention, every structure a potential source of insight, whether it be prehistoric hunting camps at Terra Amata, or the caves at Lascaux with their magnificent paintings, or a twenty-story hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

Praise for the previous edition:

A magnificent guided tour through mankind's architecture....This splendid book is that rara avis, a treat for any reader and a first-rate textbook on the subject. (The New York Times Book Review)

Extremely valuable resource which puts architectural history into a larger social, cultural context, and integrates architectural and urban phenomena. (Jon Michael Schwarting, New York Institute of Technology)

The best introductory survey of architecture in English! (C.F. Otto, Cornell University)

A unique historical and cultural perspective, and an excellent portfolio of illustrations. A concise, engaging text! (Jack Anern, University of Massachussets)

Well organized, with a clear logical order and presentation of information. Great graphics. (Edward Dunson, Howard University)

[Kostof's] challenging text is ultimately inspiring, richly rewarding, and at times brilliant. This testament to his life will live for decades as a standard textbook. Highly recommended... (School Library Journal)

A superb text for introducing graduate students to the world of architecture! (Roger Lewis, University of Maryland)

I like the book very much....[I]ts text is very perceptive and interesting. (C.M. Smart, University of Arkansas)

Excellent as a basic text. (Jack Williams, Auburn University)