The Oxford Companion to Architecture (Oxford Companions)

The Oxford Companion to Architecture is a unique and indispensable two-volume resource for all who wish to enrich their passion and knowledge of architecture. 1,500 A-Z entries cover all aspects of architecture, from architects, building types, and movements and styles to materials, aspects of design, and definitions. High-quality illustrations complement and enhance the text, and in-depth cross-referencing and a thematic table of contents enable readers to find information easily.

Embracing the world of architecture in all its variety, the Companion offers complete coverage of architecture from around the world, giving equal weight to architecture in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America as to the more familiar examples from Western Europe and the United States, and of both modern and vernacular architecture. It covers all periods, from the beginnings of architecture in ancient Egypt to the present day, and yet is strongly rooted in an approach to architecture that looks at its social, technical, and practical aspects, beyond an art-historical perspective. Written by a team of over 150 distinguished contributors, The Oxford Companion to Architecture is one of the most authoritative, up-to-date and accessible architecture reference books available.