Overview

From awe-inspiring Norman castles, to the homes we live in, Simon Thurley explores how the architecture of this small island influenced the world. The Building of England puts into context the significance of a country’s architectural history and unearths how it is inextricably linked to the cultural past – and present. From humble Saxon huts, to soaring gothic cathedrals, through feats of Victorian engineering to the homes we live in today, Simon Thurley tells the story of England through the places and people that built it. The Building of England challenges us to think differently about English history. Through the lens of architecture Thurley shows how a thousand years of economic, social and cultural change made England the place it is today. People built for defence, power, profit, farming, manufacture, travel, religion and entertainment. The story of England is embedded in all our buildings. This book brings the buildings, their designers, builders, owners and users vividly to life to show that they are a profound reflection of our history. In this fully updated and expanded edtion of his 2013 classic, The Building of England brings the story completely up to date: now ending in 2020. It places English architecture full square in its historical context.

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9780008743246

Table of Contents

Reviews

‘This is a truly stupendous achievement. Thurley […] is one of the best architectural historians alive in the world – a real scholar. [The book] is an instant classic. Every household should have one’ A. N. Wilson, Evening Standard ‘This is an impressive book – for its scholarship, for its easy didacticism, for the care with which Thurley has thought things through, and for its inclusiveness. “A bicycle shed is a building; Lincoln Cathedral is a piece of architecture,” said the great architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner: Thurley shows that both have a story to tell’ The Sunday Times Praise for Simon Thurley’s previous books: ‘[…] the rarest of things – a coffee table book that is also supremely engaging to read’ Bill Bryson, The Times '[A] stupendous new work of scholarship … it makes the history complete’ Clive Aslet, Country Life ‘A rich evocation’ History Today ‘Simon Thurley may be congratulated on a splendid achievement, which serves several different branches of history at once, as well as those who appreciate a clear and lively literary style … An important addition to knowledge’ Ronald Hutton, Times Literary Supplement ‘A hugely impressive, readable book that covers its broad canvas with assurance’ John Goodall, Country Life ‘Lively and authoritative’ Andrew Taylor, The Times ‘Thurley writes with great detail, invigorating the historical narratives we know and presenting new stories’ The Scottish Field ‘There can be few as well-placed to write about the buildings associated with the Stuart monarchy as Simon Thurley’ Historic House magazine

‘This is a truly stupendous achievement. Thurley […] is one of the best architectural historians alive in the world – a real scholar. [The book] is an instant classic. Every household should have one’ A. N. Wilson, Evening Standard ‘This is an impressive book – for its scholarship, for its easy didacticism, for the care with which Thurley has thought things through, and for its inclusiveness. “A bicycle shed is a building; Lincoln Cathedral is a piece of architecture,” said the great architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner: Thurley shows that both have a story to tell’ The Sunday Times Praise for Simon Thurley’s previous books: ‘[…] the rarest of things – a coffee table book that is also supremely engaging to read’ Bill Bryson, The Times '[A] stupendous new work of scholarship … it makes the history complete’ Clive Aslet, Country Life ‘A rich evocation’ History Today ‘Simon Thurley may be congratulated on a splendid achievement, which serves several different branches of history at once, as well as those who appreciate a clear and lively literary style … An important addition to knowledge’ Ronald Hutton, Times Literary Supplement ‘A hugely impressive, readable book that covers its broad canvas with assurance’ John Goodall, Country Life ‘Lively and authoritative’ Andrew Taylor, The Times ‘Thurley writes with great detail, invigorating the historical narratives we know and presenting new stories’ The Scottish Field ‘There can be few as well-placed to write about the buildings associated with the Stuart monarchy as Simon Thurley’ Historic House magazine

‘This is a truly stupendous achievement. Thurley […] is one of the best architectural historians alive in the world – a real scholar. [The book] is an instant classic. Every household should have one’ A. N. Wilson, Evening Standard ‘This is an impressive book – for its scholarship, for its easy didacticism, for the care with which Thurley has thought things through, and for its inclusiveness. “A bicycle shed is a building; Lincoln Cathedral is a piece of architecture,” said the great architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner: Thurley shows that both have a story to tell’ The Sunday Times Praise for Simon Thurley’s previous books: ‘[…] the rarest of things – a coffee table book that is also supremely engaging to read’ Bill Bryson, The Times '[A] stupendous new work of scholarship … it makes the history complete’ Clive Aslet, Country Life ‘A rich evocation’ History Today ‘Simon Thurley may be congratulated on a splendid achievement, which serves several different branches of history at once, as well as those who appreciate a clear and lively literary style … An important addition to knowledge’ Ronald Hutton, Times Literary Supplement ‘A hugely impressive, readable book that covers its broad canvas with assurance’ John Goodall, Country Life ‘Lively and authoritative’ Andrew Taylor, The Times ‘Thurley writes with great detail, invigorating the historical narratives we know and presenting new stories’ The Scottish Field ‘There can be few as well-placed to write about the buildings associated with the Stuart monarchy as Simon Thurley’ Historic House magazine

Author Information

Dr Simon Thurley is one of the UK’s leading architectural historians. He is Chief Executive of English Heritage – the government’s principle advisor on the historic environment.

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