Curl James Stevens. English Architecture: An Illustrated Glossary

David & Charles, 1977. — 335 p.A splendid and comprehensive guide to understanding our heritage of historic buildings.
The importance of old buildings, with their details, craftsmanship, styles and forms, is being ever more appreciated as the need for conservation becomes more acute. So much has been destroyed, and so much more is being eroded by unsuitable alterations. Traditional details are simply not understood; and the architecture of the past often gets cruel treatment from those who might be thought to know better.
This book fulfils a longstanding need, providing the first really comprehensive glossary of architecture to have appeared for many years. The language of architecture has been almost lost and is vitally important: descriptions of buildings puzzle many of us, however enthusiastic we may be about their visual impact. To understand how styles and details should be described, and their significance, greatly helps the assessment and discussion of the heritage of buildings still around us.
The 300 magnificent photographs and drawings are a powerful reminder of the wealth of interest that the study of architecture can bring, at either casual or professional level.