Have to say that I was somewhat underwhelmed. While "The Most Beautiful House in the World" gleamed with the author's enthusiasm for his subject, this book, while interesting enough to hold my attention throughout, read more like an academic exercise. Also, despite the remonstration above, have to include in this case the packaging as well. This Penguin paperback has hardly any margins, feels positively cramped, and most likely has played a significant part in my diminished enjoyment of the book.