‘This is a truly stupendous achievement. Thurley […] is one of the best architectural historians alive in the world – a real scholar. [The book] is an instant classic. Every household should have one’ A. N. Wilson, Evening Standard

‘This is an impressive book – for its scholarship, for its easy didacticism, for the care with which Thurley has thought things through, and for its inclusiveness. “A bicycle shed is a building; Lincoln Cathedral is a piece of architecture,” said the great architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner: Thurley shows that both have a story to tell’ The Sunday Times

Praise for Simon Thurley’s previous books:

‘[…] the rarest of things – a coffee table book that is also supremely engaging to read’ Bill Bryson, The Times

'[A] stupendous new work of scholarship … it makes the history complete’ Clive Aslet, Country Life

‘A rich evocation’ History Today

‘Simon Thurley may be congratulated on a splendid achievement, which serves several different branches of history at once, as well as those who appreciate a clear and lively literary style … An important addition to knowledge’ Ronald Hutton, Times Literary Supplement

‘A hugely impressive, readable book that covers its broad canvas with assurance’ John Goodall, Country Life

‘Lively and authoritative’ Andrew Taylor, The Times

‘Thurley writes with great detail, invigorating the historical narratives we know and presenting new stories’ The Scottish Field

‘There can be few as well-placed to write about the buildings associated with the Stuart monarchy as Simon Thurley’ Historic House magazine