In this unique novel, a Venetian traveler describes 55 different cities to the Mongol emperor, each city more fantastical and surreal than the last. The cities are divided into categories such as "Cities and Memory," "Cities and Desire," "Cities and Signs," etc. As the traveler continues to describe these cities, it becomes clear that they are all actually the same city, Venice, seen from different perspectives and points in time. The novel explores themes of memory, perception, and the nature of human experience.

The novel follows the story of Jacques Austerlitz, an architectural historian who was brought to England on a Kindertransport from Czechoslovakia during World War II. As an adult, Jacques embarks on a journey to uncover his past, including his original identity, his parent's fate, and his own lost history. The narrative is a haunting exploration of memory, identity, and the lasting impact of the Holocaust.

The novel explores the lives of the inhabitants of a Parisian apartment block through a complex, multi-layered narrative. It delves into the interconnected stories of the building's residents, revealing their secrets, desires, and disappointments. The narrative is structured like a puzzle, with the author employing a variety of literary styles and devices, making it a complex and intriguing exploration of human life.

The novel presents the story of an innovative architect, who values his individualism and creativity above all else. He refuses to conform to traditional architectural designs, which leads to his struggle against a system that rewards mediocrity and conformity. Despite numerous setbacks and rejections, he remains true to his unique vision and principles. The book explores themes of objectivism, individualism, and capitalism, challenging the reader to consider the value of standing alone against the collective.

Set in 15th-century Paris, this novel follows the story of Quasimodo, a deformed and hunchbacked bell-ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral, who is shunned due to his appearance. Despite his physical deformities, Quasimodo falls in love with the beautiful gypsy girl, Esmeralda. However, his love is unrequited as she is in love with a handsome soldier. The novel explores themes of love, rejection, and the human struggle against fate and societal norms.

This comprehensive reference work is a general knowledge English-language encyclopedia. It is written by about 100 full-time editors and more than 4,000 contributors, who have included 110 Nobel Prize winners and five American presidents. The encyclopedia is regarded as one of the most scholarly of encyclopedias, covering a wide range of topics in depth and providing extensive bibliographies.

"The Story of Art" is a comprehensive guide to the history of art, covering a vast span of time from prehistoric art to contemporary movements. The book provides insights into the cultural, historical, and social contexts that have influenced the creation of art throughout various periods. It offers detailed analysis of major works and styles, and discusses the techniques used by artists from different eras. It is not only an exploration of the evolution of art but also an attempt to understand the motivations and inspirations of the artists behind the works.

This book provides an in-depth exploration of the city of Venice, delving into its history, culture, architecture, and its unique geographical attributes. It paints a vivid picture of the city in its glory days, as well as its present state, with all its beauty and decay. The author's personal experiences and observations are woven into the narrative, offering readers an intimate and engaging tour of the city. The book also discusses the city's influence on art, literature, and music, and its enduring allure for travelers from around the world.

This book is a critique of 1950s urban planning policy, which it holds responsible for the decline of many city neighborhoods in the United States. The author argues that modernist urban planning rejects the city, because it rejects human beings living in a community characterized by layered complexity and seeming chaos. The book introduces groundbreaking ideas about how cities function, evolve and fail, providing a new perspective on the essentials of vibrant city life. The author also provides concrete examples of the unexpected consequences of urban renewal.

"Lives of the Artists" is a comprehensive collection of biographies of the most significant Italian artists from the 13th to the 16th centuries. The book provides a detailed overview of the artists' lives, their works, and their contributions to the art world. It includes the biographies of renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, among others. The author's personal acquaintance with some of these artists lends a unique perspective, making the book a valuable historical document.

"The Rings of Saturn" is a richly detailed travelogue that follows the narrator's journey along the coast of Suffolk, England. The narrative weaves together history, literature, and personal anecdotes, exploring topics as diverse as the decline of the herring industry, the horrors of colonialism in the Congo, and the life of philosopher Sir Thomas Browne. The book is characterized by its melancholic tone, its digressive style, and its meditative reflections on memory, time, and decay.

Set in the 12th century, the novel is a sweeping epic of good and evil, treachery and intrigue, violence and beauty. It revolves around the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, England. The story is centered on the lives of three main characters: a master builder, a monk, and a noblewoman, whose destinies are intertwined with the building of the cathedral and the tumultuous events of the time, including war, religious strife, and power struggles.

This travelogue chronicles a journey through Persia and Afghanistan in the 1930s, capturing the author's keen observations of the architecture, landscapes, and people he encounters. The narrative combines historical research, personal anecdotes, and vivid descriptions, providing a unique insight into these regions during this period. The author's witty and engaging style, combined with his passion for architecture, makes this book not just a travel diary but a valuable piece of cultural and historical documentation.

This novel explores the romantic relationships and social dynamics of four characters: a married couple, their close friend, and a young girl who becomes part of the household. The story is a study of how people's choices, passions, and societal norms can shape their relationships, often with tragic consequences. The narrative delves into themes of marriage, love, morality, and the intersection of personal feelings with societal expectations.

The novel is a complex and multi-layered narrative that revolves around a young man who comes across a manuscript written by a blind man about a documentary that doesn't appear to exist. The documentary is about a family who moves into a house that is larger on the inside than it is on the outside, with shifting walls and hallways that lead to impossible spaces. The novel is known for its experimental layout, with some pages containing only a few words and others filled with footnotes, different fonts, and sideways text, reflecting the disorienting and labyrinthine nature of the house itself.

"Hawksmoor" is a novel that alternates between the 18th century and the 1980s, focusing on two characters both named Nicholas Dyer and Nicholas Hawksmoor. Dyer, an architect in the 18th century, constructs seven churches in London, each with a dark and sinister secret. In the 1980s, Hawksmoor, a detective, investigates a series of murders that occur in the same churches. The narrative explores themes of history, time, architecture, and supernatural elements, creating an eerie and atmospheric tale.

This book intertwines the true tales of two men during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect responsible for the fair's construction, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor. The narrative alternates between the story of Burnham, his challenges and successes in building the fair, and the chilling story of Holmes, who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. It's a vivid portrayal of the Gilded Age and a chilling exploration of one of America's first known serial killers.

"Decline of the West" is a comprehensive historical and philosophical work that explores the rise and fall of civilizations. The author argues that every civilization has a life cycle, from birth to maturity and finally to decline. He suggests Western civilization is in its final stage of decline, comparing it to the end phases of the Greco-Roman civilization. The book also introduces the concept of 'pseudomorphosis', where a civilization is so deeply influenced by a previous culture that it suppresses its own authentic culture.

"Correction" is a complex narrative revolving around the life of a man named Roithamer, a genius obsessed with constructing an architectural masterpiece, the Cone, in the center of the Kobernausser forest. The story is told through the perspective of his friend who is reading Roithamer's notes after his suicide. The novel explores themes of obsession, isolation, and the pursuit of perfection, while also delving into the protagonist's troubled relationships with his family and society.

The book is a detailed historical and social analysis of the architecture, sculpture, and stained glass of two iconic French landmarks: Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres Cathedral. It explores the medieval imagination through these structures, offering a fascinating study of the cultural, intellectual, and religious trends of the 12th and 13th centuries. It also provides an intimate look into the author's deep appreciation for the Middle Ages, and his belief that the period represented an integrated, cohesive worldview that was lost in the Renaissance.

The narrative centers around the protagonist's deep affection for his large, central chimney, which stands as a symbol of stability and tradition in his family home. Despite pressure from his wife and visitors to modernize and alter the structure, the protagonist staunchly defends the chimney's significance and resists change. The story unfolds as a humorous and satirical commentary on the conflicts between modernity and tradition, personal attachment to one's home, and the dynamics of marital compromise, all while showcasing the narrator's whimsical and obstinate character in his crusade to preserve his beloved chimney.

The book is a comprehensive travelogue written by a 14th-century Moroccan scholar and explorer who traveled extensively across the known world, from Africa to the Middle East, India, China, and Europe. The author shares his observations and experiences in vivid detail, offering unique insights into the diverse cultures, religions, and societies he encountered during his journeys. His accounts serve as a significant historical record of the world during the Middle Ages, providing a firsthand perspective of life during that period.

"Antériorité Des Civilisations Nègres" by Cheikh Anta Diop explores the history and achievements of African civilizations, challenging the prevailing Eurocentric narrative that downplays the contributions of African cultures. Diop presents a compelling argument for the existence of advanced African civilizations and their impact on world history, drawing on linguistic, archaeological, and anthropological evidence. Through meticulous research, he highlights the intellectual, scientific, and cultural achievements of African societies, ultimately reclaiming their rightful place in the annals of human civilization.

"The City in History" explores the development of urban life over the course of history. The author provides a comprehensive evaluation of cities from ancient times to the modern era, examining their architectural, social, political, economic, and cultural aspects. The book also offers a critique of the urbanization process, highlighting its negative impact on human life and the environment, while advocating for a human-centered approach to urban planning.

In "Towards a New Architecture," the author advocates for a radical shift in the approach to architectural design, emphasizing the importance of function and utility over ornamental aesthetics. He argues that architecture should be as efficient and simple as the engineering of automobiles and airplanes, promoting the use of modern materials like steel and concrete to create standardized, cost-effective, and functional buildings. The book is influential in the development of modernist architecture, presenting principles such as the use of geometric forms and the pilotis, which elevate buildings on reinforced concrete stilts, allowing for an open floor plan and unobstructed views.