Pavlos Lefas 
Architecture — A Historical Perspective [PDF ebook] 

This history-by-theory and theory-by-history book helps its reader make sense of the chaotic multitude of world architecture through time. In contrast to other history books this book is brief but to the point, perceiving architecture as part of human civilisation. Its’ focus on issues such as: "is concept and form or matter the most important ‘component’ of architecture?", "how close is architecture to spectacle?", "is less really more?" makes it a good reading for both freshmen students of architecture and the reader who wants to get a grasp of what architecture is-and has been-really about.