Ashley Jackson. Buildings of Empire.

Ashley Jackson's 'Buildings of Empire' offers a unique perspective on British colonial architecture through twelve case studies, distinguished by its focus on individual buildings and their surrounding settlements rather than broader topics. This approach reveals the intricate relationship between architectural design and colonial governance, urban planning, and cultural identity across five continents. Unlike conventional studies that emphasize iconic structures like the Victoria Memorial or Baker's Union Buildings, Jackson's selection—ranging from the Viceregal Lodge in Simla to the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne—highlights lesser-known yet significant sites. The book employs a visual and narrative analysis, supported by high-quality color photography, though some black-and-white images suffer from clarity issues. This idiosyncratic assortment challenges conventional narratives of British colonial architecture, offering fresh insights into its global impact.

Herbert, E. W. (2015). Ashley Jackson. Buildings of Empire. The American Historical Review, 120(2), 575–576. https://doi.org/10.1093/ahr/120.2.575