Can anyone recommend a good book for European architecture for the tourist?

These are probably more than what you're looking for, but they're comprehensive and awesome. I bought these in Des Moines but actually saw German versions in the gift shop at the Würzburg Residence a couple of years later and thought that it would have been sort of cool to have them in German instead. Anyway, they're very good but sort of expensive at around $40 each...really more of a coffee table book than something a tourist would use, however: Baroque: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting and Gothic: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting You can Google these or look them up on Amazon for details.

Peter, have you read RS' Europe 101? It's mostly art and museums but also has a lot on history and architecture in Europe. Also, I found it very good reading. Not sure it's available in Kindle.

I found just using Wiki to be very helpful in learning about the different styles of architecture for the various countries, as well as the time periods when they were popular. The Gothic style of building lasted much longer in Germany than in the rest of Europe, for example. Wiki can also help you learn the names for the parts of a church or building. Where is the choir, what is a capstone, where do you find a nave or a portal. Then you just use our friend Google to bring up examples of these time periods or building parts, including photos. If you want to look at Gothic vaulting or Baroque domes, or Romanesqe arches, you can easily learn this online.

Actually there is a book "Architecture for Dummies", here is the blurb for it on Amazon: "When is a building just a building and when is it art? This accessible guide cuts through the jargon and clearly explains the essentials of architecture, demystifying the incredible ways in which structures and spaces come alive. You'll gain a real appreciation for architecture and the confidence to talk about iteven to an architect. Just the essential information for readers on the go who want to understand architecture. Covers the highlights of architectural history, from the Great Pyramids to Frank Gehry's Guggenheim museum in Bilbao. Explains how to look at a building and appreciate it. Explains when a building's a building and when it's art." It is availabe for Kindle.

If you have access to Netflix, there is a fantastic four-part series called Kevin McCloud's Grand Tour in which he travels throughout Europe studying the architecture. It's also available in book format, but the shows were fascinating - I especially enjoyed learning about the palazzos in Venice.

Go to the library. Go in neighboring towns - I know my library has reciprocal lending programs. I hit libraries in at least three towns (I am lucky enough to also have a NY Public library card in the months before my trip and read everything I want for free. I am a huge fan of going to the library -just my public service announcement.

I recommend "An Outline Of European Architecture" by Nicholas Pevsner.(Penguin Publishing, paperback. Look at the "used" options from Amazon.) http://www.amazon.com/Outline-European-Architecture-Nikolaus-Pevsner/dp/0140135243/ref=dp_ob_title_bk It was a classic used by my Yale professor in our history of architecture classes.

(Library is a great idea--I've been checking out lots of books. But for the architecture I was hoping to read on the kindle on the flight across the pond. )

a really good source of touring information on architecture (as well as art and history) are the Blue Guides. You might want to check them out for the locales you'll be visiting

I don't know if Michelin do electronic version but I find the beginning of the Green books is very helpful, educational and quite comprehensive. For each region or country has a very good potted history and timeline, then many pages with photos and great descriptions of the local architecture. Each drawing or photo is labelled with its location.