From the venerable stones of Avebury to the teeming architecture of Victorian and modern times, the buildings of England reflect a rich and varying tradition. John Betjeman, who regarded architecture as "A public gallery that is always open", here flings wide the doors for his readers, and comments with perspicacity and well-informed liveliness on all aspects of our architectural heritage. In this sumptuous book he highlights man's never-ceasing struggle to stamp something permanent on the face of Nature.