Brick

A World History

Dr James W P Campbell

£24.95

An acclaimed survey of brick architecture throughout the world and throughout history, from brick architecture in ancient Rome to Buddhist Pagan in the Far East and the exciting contemporary use of brick, especially in the USA and France

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Overview

This totally original architecture book – the first ever comprehensive study of brick – follows the story of brick from 5,000 bc to its use in building today, via the vast baths and basilicas of ancient Rome, through the wonders of Gothic brick in Germany, the majestic temples of Pagan and Mughal mosques in Iran, to its modern revival.

Marvellously illustrated with spectacular, specially-taken photographs, Brick is at once an historical account of how bricks have been employed by architects of every period, a technical survey of brickmaking and bricklaying, and an essay in architectural and cultural history. The authors have applied their expert visual and technical knowledge to more than one hundred themes, from bricks in ancient Egypt to their distinctive use by such modern masters as Louis Kahn, Alvar Aalto and Renzo Piano. Great works of engineering – viaducts, tunnels and bridges – are given prominence alongside great cathedrals and country houses, temples and mosques, testifying to the incredible versatility and importance of bricks and brickwork.

Reviews

'As a visually seductive and accessible account of its subject, this book is unlikely to be bettered for many a year'
The Architects’ Journal

'Wonderful … highly seductive for any architect, with page after page of beautiful large photographs of every conceivable way of using brick … the pictures, juxtapositions and themes are compelling'
RIBA Journal

Product Information

Book Details

Format: PLC (no jacket)

Edition Type: Compact edition

Size: 29.3 x 22.8 cm

Extent: 320 pp

Publication date: 29 February 2016

ISBN: 9780500343197

Contents List

1. The first brick buildings in Egypt and Mesopotamia • 2. Rome and early Islam • 3. Medieval Europe and later Islam • 4. The Renaissance: Europe and the world • 5. The Eighteenth Century • 6. Industry and romanticism in the 19th century • 7. Tradition, innovation and renewal – the 20th century • 8. Conclusion – ideas for the future

About the Author

Dr James Campbell, an architect and art historian, is Seear Fellow in Architecture and History of Art at Queen’s College, Cambridge. His books include The Library: A World History and Brick: A World History, both published by Thames & Hudson.

Will Pryce, a trained architect and award-winning photographer, is the author of six books, all published by Thames & Hudson.

List of Contributors

Will Pryce