| Introductory Interview by Philip Johnson |
| Synopsis | |
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From the ancient Lighthouse at Alexandria to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, from the Empire State Building to the soon-to-be-completed 450-meter Petronas Towers in Malaysia, a comprehensive history of humankind's continuing urge to build ever higher. Fascinating and entertaining text and magnificent, towering, full-page photographs of 50 of the world's most innovative, stunning, and lofty skyscrapers. Facts at a glance for each building, with visual comparisons of relative heights. Features informative spreads on the technical developments of elevators, steel, glass, and other building materials, the growth of cities, and towers around the world. Unique 7.5 x 18 format. Printed on high-quality coated stock with nearly 200 black-and-white photos, Looks at the history of skyscrapers, describes fifty notable structures from around the world, and looks at the technology necessary to build such tall structures. Arranged chronologically by date of building construction, each informative spread has photos of the featured building from various angles, building plans, diagrams, the building's historical background, and technological information. Skyscrapers also offers additional information on such topics as the ancient roots of skyscrapers and visionary cities of the future, as well as a fascinating interview with Philip Johnson, together with other profiles. Reviews "Unique in Scale and Design, and Packed with Eye-Popping Photographs", "[A] handsome compendium, which is as witty in its lanky format as it is fascinating within." -- Manuel Mendoza , Dallas Morning News "Talk about an ideal match of subject and form!.the stunning array of black-and-white photographs that accompany Dupre's incisive, fact-filled text capture both the mass and soaring aspirations of the structures." -- Sam Roberts , The New York Times "Skyscrapers is ingeniously shaped...this tall and skinny volume...is the perfect canvas for full-page black-and-white photographs and illustrations of well-known classics....But this isn't just a celebratory picture book. Ms Dupre is a scholar interested in the aesthetic and environmental issues raised by supertall architecture. Skyscrapers is chock-full of historical context as it projects the implications and future prospects of metal and glass that reach for the sky." -- Richard Helm , The Edmonton Journal "Judith Dupre skillfully couples a narrative with stunning photographs and factoids that distinguish this skyscraper-shaped book from so many others." -- Bill Thompson , The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC) |