Examines the architectural styles of houses, religious shrines, mosques and other buildings in the desert areas of Africa and Asia. Mud as a building material is associated with Third World barbarianism, but this book presents an alternate viewpoint through words and photographs. The startling beauty and efficiency of mud architecture is evident. Since 1983, a traveling exhibition of Spectacular Vernacular has been touring the United States under a Smithsonian Institution sponsorship. 120 colour photos. pp. 191 #0219 (See image for tear to dustjacket.)