Cities of Kings
Royal Architecture of London and Paris
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
Abundant in culture with legendary pasts, two European capitals capture the curiosity and conquer the senses: London and Paris. One expanded from a tiny Celtic hamlet into a shape shifting metropolis that dominated the world’s trade routes. The other swelled from a tiny island on the Seine to reign supreme for generations as the zenith of Western culture. Both cities are defined by their munificent historic architecture created by the demands, funds, and directions of each capital’s reigning monarch. Tied by dynastic blood and architectural style, the fortresses, castles, and cathedrals of London and Paris reveal the passions and desires of the kings and queens who built them. Underneath the stone and glass facades lie the manifestations of glory and hunger for eternal power. Etched into the vaulted ceilings and bas relief sculptures remain the hopes and dreams of famous sovereigns. Discover the stories behind the design of Westminster Abbey, the Notre Dame de Paris, and other spectacular architecture in “Cities of Kings.”
Customer Reviews
An education in architecture
This book taught me a lot about the architecture of London and Paris. What captured my attention the most here were the unique stories about why and how the kings and queens of England and France built such gorgeous and different buildings. The photographs helped illustrate the story and really made me want to travel to both London and Paris for a look at the architectural details talked about in Cities of Kings.