From the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza to the Parthenon in Athens and the Colosseum in Rome, buildings have long been used as demonstrations of power through their precision, standards of craftsmanship, and monumentality. This book offers a visual testament to the beauty, grace, and fortitude of the worlds greatest architectural achievements. "1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die" is a visual testament to the beauty, grace, and fortitude of the worlds greatest architectural achievements. Beginning in the ancient and Near East, the book explores middle age Byzantine and Gothic examples such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, goes on to St Pauls Cathedral, London and continues through the Chrysler Building, New York City, with its art deco metal pinnacle, to splendid contemporary innovations such as Norman Fosters Reichstag parliament building, Berlin and Frank Gehrys Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles. The book is not only concerned with size - it also includes some of the worlds most remarkable domestic buildings, such as the Mongolian yurt and houses of the American pioneers, as well as railway buildings, chapels, casinos, concert halls, gentlemens clubs, and museums, cherished often for the way they represent and capture a particular moment in history in their details and atmosphere. "1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die" is the complete companion to the outstanding architecture of the world. It offers a fascinating mixture of familiar landmarks and little-known gems.