With a foreword by Peter St John. 1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die is a visual testament to the world's greatest achievements in architecture. Beginning with the marvels of the ancient world and continuing with the masterpieces of our present day, this book details the historical and geographic considerations that influenced the design, with stunning photographs illustrating the technical ingenuity and aesthetic brilliance of architects past and present.Comprehensive yet concise, each article includes essential information about the featured structure: who designed it, who commissioned it, key dates in its construction and more. From Byzantine and Gothic wonders, through the incredible wealth of the Renaissance and Baroque, and on to the marvels of the twentieth century, this book also culminates with the achievements of the past decade, such as Renzo Piano's towering Shard London Bridge and the billowing glass sails of Frank Gehry's Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. Featuring extra material including the world's finest and most important public and residential buildings from palaces, museums and ground-breaking new residences to unique or unusual structures, such as the ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings and rustic southern Italian trulli.1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die is the complete yet accessible guide to the architectural masterpieces of the world - a compendium of familiar landmarks and undiscovered gems that will inform and delight everyone with an interest in architecture.