We have gone from this….

Click here for the picture in its original glory.

And this….

Click here for the picture in its original glory. It broke my heart to cut it down to reasonable size.

To this….

Click here if you to see the original size.

Part of the blame for this decline lies with the architects. But the biggest problem is that there are not that many skilled tradesmen left. And without skilled tradesmen, it is hard to make fine buildings.

I am deeply indebted to the above photographers for putting their work out on a creative commons license. Also check out Curious Expeditions awesome collection of photos of beautiful libraries (h/t Marginal Revolution).