English Architecture: A Concise History. - Review - book review

Contemporary Review, June, 2001

English Architecture: A Concise History. David Watkin. Thames and Hudson. [pound]7.95 p.b. 224 pages. ISBN 0-500-203385. This latest issue from Thames & Hudson's 'world-of-art' series will be a boon to anyone wanting a short, well-illustrated and well-written guide to England's rich architectural heritage.

The author, a reader in architectural history in the University of Cambridge, has revised his 1979 edition to take account of the latest developments in architecture. He has not altered his basic approach, which is chronological, nor his concentration on 'the high points of English creative genius as expressed in the noble art of architecture'. This means he excludes the architecture of industry, transport and engineering, vernacular architecture and town planning (except for John Wood and John Nash). This is sad, especially the omission of industrial architecture in cities such as Liverpool or Manchester, but the author had to keep his short history short. He also includes a glossary of architectural terms and a guide to further reading, both of which add to the value of the book.