This book is a practical primer to looking at architecture and all the elements that are included in buildings, from cornices and fr iezes to columns and porticos - all facets of buildings are included. Each chapter takes an architectural element and looks at its v ariety across various historical periods and geographical locations. Examples are shown through dozens of fine engravings with exten ded captions, creating a dip-in read and an effective I-Spy guide. Additional sections look at the clues offerred by history, geogra phy and religion (with a timeline showing how and where architectural elements have been introduced), and at the significance of the ornaments.