San Francisco: Architecture of the San Francisco Bay Area: History and Guide

The successor to the popular guide book, Architecture and Design: SF (1998), this traveler's companion covers the best in classic and contemporary architecture throughout the Bay Area. The first part of the book surveys the area's architectural history, dating from California's beginnings to the present. The rest of the book is divided into regional chapters, which begin with color maps marked with architectural points of interest. Brief entries on each landmark include summary descriptions of the project, information on the architect, date of construction, and address. Many entries include color photos, some small and some up to a full page in size. The flexible binding allows the book to lay flat when open, and a placemarker ribbon sewn into the binding is icing on the cake. The readership for the book includes architects, students, visitors to the area, and general readers interested in modern architecture. Schwarzer is professor of art and architectural history at California College of the Arts. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)