An approachable history of one of London's most famous landmarks.
James Campbell Book order
James Campbell is an architect and architectural historian whose work delves into the development of building construction, with a particular focus on 17th-century architecture and the history of libraries. His research, which examines key figures like Wren and Hawksmoor, draws upon his extensive practical experience as an architect across the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and the United States. His approach involves bridging theoretical knowledge with a hands-on understanding of construction processes and material science. His publications often explore how building techniques and styles evolved over time and how these innovations shaped our physical surroundings.






- 2020
- 2020
The Library
- 328 pages
- 12 hours of reading
Ambitious and wide-ranging, this is the first single volume to tell the story of the library as a distinct building type, all around the world and from the beginnings of writing to the present day. In its highest form the library is a total work of art, combining painting, sculpture, furniture and architecture. From their designs for the libraries of ancient Rome to those of the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris, architects have sought to outdo each other by producing ever more spectacular settings. 0The author and photographer have travelled the globe, documenting some eighty libraries. Architectural historian James Campbell contributes an authoritative and highly readable account. Will Pryce is one of the world's leading photographers of interiors and architecture. Arresting and technically flawless, his photographs are both lucid and deeply atmospheric.
- 2017
Japanese pâtisserie
Exploring The Beautiful and Delicious Fusion of East Meets West
- 176 pages
- 7 hours of reading
The fusion of food from different cultures creates magical combinations that lead to new classics, enriching our everyday lives. Trends like Japanese Matcha in lattes, Korean kimchi in burgers, and Thai Sriracha on various dishes highlight the thriving love for Asian cuisine. Tokyo has emerged as a culinary leader, boasting 15 three Michelin-starred restaurants, surpassing France's 10. Over the last two decades, celebrated French patisserie chefs have flocked to Japan, drawn by a shared appreciation for beauty, precision, and care in cooking. This book presents 60 recipes that range from reinvented classics to stunning patisserie creations accessible to home cooks. Chapters include Small Cakes & Individual Patisserie, featuring Lemon & Yuzu Eclairs; Sweet Tarts, with delights like Miso Butterscotch Tarts; and Large Cakes & Gateaux, showcasing celebration cakes such as Matcha & Pistachio Opera. The Desserts section offers dinner party classics with Japanese twists, including White Sesame & Adzuki Cheesecake. The Cookies & Confectionery chapter features fun treats like Sesame Peanut Butter Cookies and Green Tea Kit Kat. Finally, savory recipes like Panko Doughnuts stuffed with Pork Katsu round out the collection, complemented by a flavor matrix mapping key characteristics of Japanese ingredients.
- 2016
Missions in Hindústán
With a Brief Description of the Country, and of the Moral and Social Conditions of the Inhabitants
- 250 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Culturally significant, this work preserves the essence of the original artifact, maintaining authenticity by including original copyright references and library stamps. It reflects the historical importance of the text within the broader context of civilization's knowledge base, making it a valuable resource for scholars and readers interested in the preservation of historical works.
- 2016
The Purity of Jazz and Speckled Trout and Other Prose and Poetry
- 252 pages
- 9 hours of reading
A diverse collection of short stories and poetry, this work showcases Campbell's literary evolution since the 1960s, with many pieces emerging after his earlier publications in literary magazines during the mid-2000s. It reflects a rich tapestry of themes and styles, illustrating the author's long-standing engagement with the written word.
- 2016
Brick
- 320 pages
- 12 hours of reading
“A brilliant collaboration . . . The hundreds of color photographs are stunning in their clarity and composition. Highly recommended.”—Library Journal This totally original architecture book—named 2004 Choice Outstanding Academic Title—follows the story of brick from 5000 BC to its use in building today, from the vast baths and basilicas of ancient Rome, through the wonders of Gothic brick in Germany and the majestic temples of Pagan, to its modern revival. Marvelously illustrated with spectacular, specially taken photographs, Brick is at once an historical account of how bricks have been employed by architects of every period, a technical survey of brickmaking and bricklaying, and an essay on architectural and cultural history. The authors have applied their expert visual and technical knowledge to more than one hundred themes, from bricks in ancient Egypt to their distinctive use by such modern masters as Louis Kahn, Alvar Aalto, and Renzo Piano. Great works of engineering—viaducts, tunnels, and bridges—are given prominence alongside great cathedrals, country houses, temples, and mosques, testifying to the incredible versatility and importance of bricks and brickwork.
- 2013
The Library: A World History
- 320 pages
- 12 hours of reading
Exploring the architectural evolution of libraries, this book showcases over eighty global examples, from ancient ruins to modern designs. It highlights how library buildings reflect the wealth, culture, and learning of their time, with stunning photographs capturing their unique structures and atmospheres. Architectural historian James Campbell provides a compelling narrative that traces the history of library architecture from ancient Mesopotamia to contemporary China. This work serves as a definitive photographic history, appealing to both book lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
- 2008
Missions In Hindustan
With A Brief Description Of The Country, And Of The Moral And Social Condition Of The Inhabitants (1852)
- 256 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Focusing on the mission work of Christian missionaries in mid-19th century Hindustan, the book delves into the challenges they faced, such as cultural and language barriers. It details their methods, including the establishment of schools and hospitals, while also providing an in-depth description of India's geography, climate, and culture. The author examines the social and moral conditions of the inhabitants, offering insights into their religious beliefs and customs. This work serves as a valuable resource for understanding the history of Christian missions and the cultural landscape of India during this period.
- 2006
Geography
- 186 pages
- 7 hours of reading
- 2001
Paris Interzone
Richard Wright, Lolita, Boris Vian and Others on the Left Bank, 1946-60
- 305 pages
- 11 hours of reading
James Campbell combines the understanding of a good social historian with an ability to analyse literary achievement in a narrative that has the same sort of interest as a novel' Guardian'When on August 25, 1944 the Allied forces marched into Paris and freed the city from Nazi occupation, they prepared the way for another invasion - a new wave of writers.Taking Richard Wright's arrival in Paris as his starting point, James Campbell has produced a riveting account of this post-war period in Paris Interzone' Time Out

