Marvellously illustrated with spectacular, specially taken photographs, this totally original architecture book - the first ever comprehensive study of brick - is at once an historical account of how bricks have been employed by architects of every period, a technical survey of brickmaking and bricklaying, and an essay in architectural and cultural history. The authors have applied their expert visual and technical knowledge to more than one hundred themes, from bricks in ancient Egypt to their distinctive use by such modern masters as Louis Kahn, Alvar Aalto and Renzo Piano. Works of engineering - viaducts, tunnels and bridges - are given prominence alongside great cathedrals and country houses, temples and mosques, testifying to the incredible versatility and importance of bricks and brickwork. An illustrated glossary detailing the technical terms and various construction and bonding methods. The book with 600 illustrations, 570 in color.