Recommended Architecture Books for 2025, Suggested by Our Architectural Editor, John Goodall
In the realm of British architectural journalism and scholarship, several notable figures have made significant contributions to our understanding of the country's rich architectural history. One such individual is John Goodall, who currently serves as the Architectural Editor on a renowned platform.
Goodall, who joined the platform in 2007, is known for his love of castles, the "Frozen" soundtrack, and his infectious laugh that brings joy to those around him. His expertise lies primarily in historic British architectural journalism and scholarship, with a particular focus on country houses.
Goodall's role extends beyond editorial duties, as he is also actively involved in public history contributions. His background includes research and history work at English Heritage, where he contributed to guidebook series and exhibitions, and participated in television series focused on British history and architecture.
While specific books written or edited by Goodall are not explicitly listed here, his authoritative position and collaboration with figures like Clive Aslet, who has authored books such as "The Story of the Country House" and "Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain’s Greatest Architect?", situate him firmly as a key contributor to contemporary British architectural literature.
Another prominent figure in this field is Geoff Brandwood, who authored a book about the prolific Victorian architect George Edmund Street, whose work includes the Royal Courts of Justice on London's Strand. The book was published by Liverpool University Press.
John Stewart has also made a mark with his book about architectural sculpture in Britain from 1851-1951, published by Lund Humphries. This work provides a comprehensive exploration of a crucial aspect of British architectural history.
The evolution and application of classical language in architecture is discussed in Edward McParland's book, "The Language of Architectural Classicism", also published by Lund Humphreys. This book offers insights into how classical elements have been used and adapted in architectural designs over time.
For those interested in a more anecdotal approach to understanding British country houses, "A British Country House Alphabet: A Historical and Pictorial Journey Volume 1" by Curt DiCamillo, published by the New England Historic Genealogical Society, offers a three-part survey that looks at country houses through anecdote, with this volume covering the letters A-H.
Gavin Stamp has posthumously published a study on Interwar British Architecture, with different editions available from Profile Books. Simon Jenkins has written a readable and concise perspective on the history of British Architecture, published by Viking. Ben Cowell has written a book about the British Country House Revival, published by The Boydell Press.
"Jewish Country Houses" is a book edited by Juliet Carey and Abigail Green, published by Profile Books, which explores the ownership of country houses by Jews across Europe. "The Irish Aesthete: Buildings of Ireland, Lost and Found" by Robert O'Byrne, published by Lilliput Press, is a collection of atmospheric photographs of Irish ruins and abandoned houses, accompanied by short histories and anecdotes.
Finally, Christopher Wakeling and Nikolaus Pevsner have published the last volume in the revised 'Buildings of England' series, focusing on Staffordshire, published by Yale University Press. Clive Aslet has written an account on the life of Sir Edwin Lutyens, published by Triglyph Books.
"Streetscapes" by Ptolemy Dean, published by Lund Humphreys, is a book illustrated with the author's own watercolors, and it explores the evolution of streetscapes in historic towns.
These authors and their works serve as testament to the vibrant and diverse world of British architectural literature, offering insights, perspectives, and anecdotes that enrich our understanding of the country's architectural heritage.
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