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The Great Great Wall

Along the Borders of History from China to Mexico
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Great Great Wall by Ian Volner explores the historical, cultural, and political significance of various walls built across the world, from ancient barricades to modern-day barriers. The book delves into how these structures have shaped societies and served as symbols of division and protection, offering a thought-provoking analysis of humanity's enduring fascination with walls.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by immersive explorations of iconic structures and enjoy uncovering the historical, cultural, and political significance behind them. Its engaging narrative sheds light on human ingenuity and ambition, interwoven with the author's personal experiences and reflections.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

During his campaign for the presidency, one of Donald Trump's signature promises was that he would build a "great great wall" on the border between the US and Mexico, and Mexico was going to pay for it. A year and a half into his term, with only a few prototype segments erected, the wall is the 2,000-mile, multibillion-dollar elephant in the room of contemporary American life.

In The Great Great Wall, architectural historian and critic Ian Volner takes a fascinating look at the barriers that we have built over millennia. Traveling far afield, to China, the Middle East, Europe, and along the U.S. Mexico border, Volner examines famous, contentious, and illuminating structures, and explores key questions:

  • Why do we build walls?
  • What do they reveal about human history?
  • What happens after they go up?

With special attention to Trump's wall and the walls that exist along the US border already, this is an absorbing, smart, and timely book on an incredibly contentious and newsworthy topic.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews of The Great Great Wall by Ian Volner highlight its exploration of historical and modern walls, beginning with the U.S.-Mexico border. Reviewers praise Volner's ability to connect past and present, incorporating themes from architecture, politics, and society. The book is noted for providing insightful reflections and historical context, while also engaging readers with its storytelling and examination of the significance and costs of wall-building throughout history.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781419735233

Publisher: Abrams

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 April 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Abrams Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 142.0mm

Height: 222.0mm

Weight: 330g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Ian Volner has contributed articles on architecture and design to the Wall Street Journal, the New Republic, Harper’s Magazine, Artforum, Architectural Digest, and The New Yorker online, among other publications, and is a contributing editor at Architect. His previous books include Michael Graves: Design for Life and This is Frank Lloyd Wright, a winner of the International Deutsches Architekturmuseum Book Award in 2016. He lives in Manhattan.

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