This atlas of architectural wonders eschews the classic children’s book fare of the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal, and instead takes a broader view of what constitutes amazing architecture. Buildings include: the Jameh mosque of Isfahan? in Iran, Native American plank houses in New Mexico, Stave Churches in Norway, The Djinguereber mosque in Mali, and extraordinary 18th century wooden churches on Kizhi Island, Russia.

Over 50 buildings span all the continents equally throughout history. Each of these buildings is visually striking and architecturally noteworthy; they introduce new engineering technologies or define a movement or capture the essence of a moment in human history. They epitomise the ambition and vison of an architect or a patron. But although most of them have been recognized by UNESCO or other agencies, they are not part of the main Western architectural canon. This book seeks out a more diverse, inclusive approach to what constitutes amazing architecture, and presents it with fresh illustration and clear, punchy text.