Encyclopedias are great tools for gaining background information, putting your topic in context and identifying key terms, people and core resources. In addition to those above, you can search the catalog for your topic and add the word encyclopedias, for example: gardens encyclopedias.
A World History of Architecture
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The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture
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Encyclopedia of 20th century architecture
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Encyclopedia of vernacular architecture of the world
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Architecture Sourcebook : A Guide to Resources on the Practice of Architecture
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Landscape architecture sourcebook : a guide to resources on the history and practice of landscape architecture in the United States
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