How to Read Series

Over 2,000 years of settlement give London its unique architectural heritage. Unlike Haussmann's Paris, neither monarch nor politician imposed their will; private ownership and enterprise shaped the city and defined its parts. Elegant West End squares and crescents hallmark the Classical townscape that emerged between 1600 and 1830, but medieval, Tudor and Victorian enclaves identified by occupation, class or guild make their own design statement, notably in the City and East End. From its renewal after the Great Fire of 1666 as a centre of commerce, culture, finance and as a railway hub, the seat of power and law, How to Read London reveals through the built environment how London's domestic, civic and commercial landscape has evolved and adapted from imperial capital to global city.

How to Read Paris

by Chris Rogers

Published 13 October 2016

How to Read Paris is a pocket-sized guide to understanding and appreciating the architecture of Paris. Packed with detailed drawings, plans and photographs, and covering squares, bridges, streets and monuments as well as buildings, it is both a fascinating architectural history and an effective I-spy guide - a must-read for anyone with an interest in this fascinating and beautiful city. Compact enough to carry in your pocket yet serious enough to impart a real understanding, this handy reference guide.