The House Book (2001) by the Editors of Phaidon Press

This heavy book is comprised of 500 color photos arranged alphabetically by architect, patron, or designer. Notable entries include:

Udaipur Garden Palace (1698-1710) by Amar Singh II, Udaipur, India (Reisner family visit 2001);

Anchorites in Cappadocia in central Turkey, phallic forms of residual volcanic tufa in obelisks up to 16 storeys high, locals cal them fairy chimneys;


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Iconic America by Hilfiger and Lois

This intriguing book can be browsed over 335 pages in an hour.  Best icons include (p. 69) dollar bill All-Seeing Eye from the Great Seal of U.S.  Why is pyramid unfinished?  Annuit Coeptis means "He Has Favored Our Undertakings."  The Roman Numerals MDCCLXXVI are date of Declaration of Independence (1776) and Latin Phrase Novus Ordo Seclorum is "A New Order of Ages is Born."

The most arresting icon is 19-year old bare-breasted Josephine Baker (p. 289), famous black chanteuse in 1920s who performed in Paris.  Did you know that Starbucks (p. 164) was named after Starbuck, the coffee-loving first mate in Moby Dick ?

So what's missing?  1963-1967 Corvette Sting Ray !  WTF !!