From Victorian manufacturing town, famous for the ‘three Bs’ – beer, bulbs and biscuits – to its current status as a major centre for service industries and cutting-edge technology, Reading has a proud and distinctive identity.This extraordinary history is embodied in the buildings that have shaped the town. Reading in 50 Buildings explores the history of this rich and vibrant community through a selection of its greatest architectural treasures. From the medieval Abbey Gateway to the modern Oracle shopping centre, this unique study celebrates the city’s architectural heritage in a new and accessible way. Well-known local author Stuart Hylton guides the reader on a tour of the city’s historic buildings and modern architectural marvels.