The essays, written throughout Scalbert’s career from the early 1990s to the present, comprise detailed studies of major buildings and pieces that represent broader examinations of historical movements and ideas. All are based on direct experience, whether through quiet contemplation or candid interviews with architects, builders, or inhabitants. An architect by training, Scalbert aims at illuminating the design efforts made and to enrich the form of the architectures he describes. His incisive and boldly original criticism—together with a wealth of illustrations—make this a book an enlightening read for anyone with an interest in architecture and its history.