Aspiring architects will be in their element! Explore this illustrated narrative history of buildings for young readers, an amazing construction in itself.
We spend most of our lives in buildings. We make our homes in them. We go to school in them. We work in them. But why and how did people start making buildings? How did they learn to make them stronger, bigger, and more comfortable? Why did they start to decorate them in different ways? From the pyramid erected so that an Egyptian pharaoh would last forever to the dramatic, machine-like Pompidou Center designed by two young architects, Patrick Dillon’s stories of remarkable buildings — and the remarkable people who made them — celebrates the ingenuity of human creation. Stephen Biesty’s extraordinarily detailed illustrations take us inside famous buildings throughout history and demonstrate just how these marvelous structures fit together.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful.
Wonderful stories, beautiful illustrations
By Victor Huang
"Buildings are far more than piles of brick or frames of steel, because every one, no matter how large or small, carries the dreams of the people who made it." I loved this book because it told the story of many beautiful buildings, and brought to life the dreams of those who created these buildings. These stories are written in a simple and engaging manner meant for the junior reader, but which also charmed this grownup. The illustrations are extremely beautiful and meticulous, and explain the features of buildings that contributed to their builders' dreams. I learned how buildings can be both aesthetic and purposeful. A wonderful book for kids and grownups alike!
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful.Reminds me of David Macaulay Books
By Stuart Dunn
The Story of Buildings is a gorgeous hardcover book that measures approximately 12" x 10". Picking it up for the first time, it looked a bit like a coffee table book for kids, which I guess it could be used as such. The book begins with a chapter on building a house. The author, Patrick Dillon, describes how people used to live in caves because it was the most logical shelter choice available, but eventually developed tools and learned how to make homes. According to him, this is the story of buildings. He then goes on to show how dwelling places have changed both over the years and depending on where one lived. After this other types of structures came into being, like barns, factories, places of worship, etc. He stresses that "Every building has a story to tell." We then dive into the heart of the book.The remaining chapters focus on a particular building, starting with the Pyramid of Djoser and ending with the Straw Bale House in London, England. Each chapter tells background information on the place the building is located, the culture/people, and the building itself. A large foldout 2 page illustration is then provided to show finer details of the building itself. The book has a nice flow to it, because it's like reading a linear evolution of buildings. He starts with Egypt, moves to Greece, then Rome, etc. and manages to paint a beautiful picture with words to accompany the many beautiful illustrations by Stephen Biesty. This is a great book for children and adults alike and reminds me of David Macaulay's books. This is a great book for getting kids interested in architecture and engineering.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful.Beautiful book
By K. Wahl
This book has beautiful illustrations and wonderful anecdotes about all the buildings it highlights. My husband and I have enjoyed it as much as the grandchildren it was given to (6 and 8 years old).
