From Pyramids to Palaces: Architecture Around the World - by Tom Velcovsky & Jiri Bartunek (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Explore the fascinating world of architecture, from ancient monuments to modern structures, and decode architectural styles and history in this engaging non-fiction book.

This non-fiction compendium takes readers on a global tour of architectural wonders, from ancient monuments that have withstood the test of time to the new streamlined modern structures that define our contemporary landscape. Explore iconic buildings by uncovering the intricate secrets of architectural styles and the rich histories they represent. From the timeworn exterior of the Great Pyramid of Giza to the smooth sleek lines of the White House, this book offers an immersive exploration of architectural diversity, offering readers a lens through which to decipher the architectural language of the structures that surround us.

Aimed at adolescents ages 10-14, this book transcends age barriers, offering a window into the world of architecture for all. Through vivid content and imagery, it offers an exciting journey through history and design. Young readers seeking a deeper understanding of architecture will gain deep insights into the world's architectural legacy. It's not just a book; it's a key to unlocking architectural secrets, an educational resource, and a visual delight. Whether for personal enrichment or education, this invaluable guide will deepen your appreciation for our shared global architectural heritage.

Review Quotes

Selected for The Children's Book Council's July 2024 "Hot Off The Press" Reading List

Selected for Shelf Awareness to More Gift Ideas on Best Books

"Any lover of architecture, travel, or even just beautiful books with wonderful images will find themselves enthralled while reading this book that seeks to help readers discover the magic in each building." --Beth Rodgers, YA Books Central

"A beautiful collection of illustrated structures from around the world shows common threads in architecture. Examples of buildings from many continents are included, as well as a glossary of architectural terms." --NetGalley-Educator

"I really enjoyed this, as someone who is fascinated by different monuments and buildings around the world. It was fun to learn more about the structures themselves, even as an adult, and this would be a wonderful resource for middle school kids learning about different cultures." --Lisa D., NetGalley-Reviewer

"This book is a perfect fit for my library and I look forward to sharing it with my audience and seeing what they build!" --Flying off my Bookshelf

"This is a fantastic non fiction with captivating illustrations of all kinds of buildings from all around the world and all throughout history. I've shared some of the ones I have actually seen myself, except for the pyramids. Each double page, or more, not only includes a realistic illustration of the structure, and facts about it, and its story, but also for many of them the whole inspiration behind them." --Froggy Read Teach, IG

About the Author

Tom Velcovsky is a graduate of Audiovisual Production from the Silesian University in Opava, Czech Republic, where he specialized in screenwriting and storyboards. Before switching to children's books and the making of comic strips, he worked in advertising.

Jiri Bartunek is a Czech archaeologist and historian who holds a doctorate from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia. He has lived in the UK, Sweden, and Iceland, and is currently working to popularize history for the public through publications, museum exhibitions, and practical demonstrations such as fencing shows. His interests span the technical, social, military, and eschatological aspects of ancient civilizations. He is based in Czechia.

Marie Kraus loves to explore and play with new techniques, but classic painting and digital illustration are closest to her heart. She became a tattoo artist in 2005, but for almost a decade now she has been working as a freelance illustrator too. Along with her two beautiful daughters, Marie's utmost source of inspiration is nature. She was born in Ostrava, Czechia, surrounded by the architecture of Socialist Realism (aka Sorela). Having also spent part of her childhood in a little village in Northern Slovakia, she discovered that despite being an urban child, she felt utterly fascinated by the rural natural world she had a chance to observe there.