Mark Baker, Greg Stevenson and David Wilson (Graffeg)
This fascinating coffee-table book combines photography of some Wales’ most important and interesting buildings by Mark Baker alongside analysis by architectural historians Dr Greg Stevenson and Dr David Wilson. Good formatting, interesting insights and captivating photography make this book a great overview of Welsh history and Wales as a nation. The book uses structures to mark the visual history of the nation; from Glyndwr’s Parliament in Machynlleth and the Big Pit to the Senedd and Dylan Thomas’ Writing Shed, it jumps from chapter to chapter in Welsh history, linking them thematically. With buildings that changed the world, formed Wales, built Welsh identity, language, politics and the economy, and seats of learning, 50 Buildings That Built Wales is not only interesting for its photography, its historical overviews go a long way to help the reader understand the face of Wales today.
Price: £25. Info: www.graffeg.com