‘..the whole point of Banister Fletcher is that it does cram everything into a single volume. It will remain one of the most thumbed tomes in Building Design’s office library..above all, gloriously and frustratingly, invaluable.’
Building Design, October 1996

‘..clearly a bargain.’
The Architect’s Journal, October 1996

‘…a revolution has taken place in Banister Fletcher. The timid modernizing, the anxious realignments of the past fifty years are over; under Dan Cruickshank’s editorship, it has achieved a thoroughness and flexibility one would never have thought possible within the grandiose shell of this late Victorian institution. Half the pleasure, as half the volume, of Banister Fletcher is its pictures. The thousands of photographs are, as always in Banister Fletcher, unimprovably fine.’ The Times Educational Supplement, November 1996

“A thundering classic appears again with useful additions. As Sir Banister Fletcher said, ‘The study of architecture opens up the enjoyment of buildings with an appreciation of their purpose, meaning, and charm.’ These words aptly summarise what this book has become for generations of students and architects. No serious fan of architecture should be without it.” American Institute of Architects

‘It is such a remarkable book, containing so much detail and so skilfully illustrated, that it is a must for all architectural and surveying offices at such a reasonable price.’ ASI Journal, Jan 1997

‘An easy-to-use reference book with all the world’s major architecture described, explained and, in many cases, fully illustrated.’ B & M Architecture & Design

‘Students would be well advised not to waste money on a pile of discounted colourful coffee-table books, but rather to concentrate resources on this single volume… It will continue its usefulness beyond the years of study and become an additional aid to everyday practice.’ Times Higher Educations Supplement

‘…the bible of architectural history… Banister Fletcher remains a potted history with remarkably pithy writing.’

‘…succinct characterization of individual architects and a liveliness of both criticism and description’
The Times Educational Supplement

Customer reviews -

“This is the best book of it’s type. Having read similar books to this and being lucky enough to be able to read those at libraries this book is one that I read twice. The introductions to each section are good and the information is useful. Readers of architectural histories should work up to this and similar books. I have read the earlier edition and would think that the Dan Cruickshank treatment will only leave the book better. I look forward to reading the centenary edition as the only real criticism of previous editions was the lack of modern coverage in the book. Anyone truly trying to understand the histories of architecture has to read this book. The only reason I gave this book 4 stars is because hopefully after reading the latest version that need for modern architecture previous readings lacked will be fulfilled. Read it Now!!!!!”

“Without a doubt, this text is the Quintessential Gold Standard for introductory Western Architecture. A must have for anybody who is serious about learning about how Western Architecture has evolved over time, and with little if any bias. Its only weak area is with architectural development in Asia and South/Central Meso America. Other than that, this is my third copy of the text and it just keeps getting better. Believe me when I say, this is one book you may never want to loan out, for it may not get returned. I know, it’s happened to me once already.”