This volume investigates the architectural evolution of Sydney by cataloging and analyzing 444 significant structures that define the city's built environment. Richard Apperley, an authority on Australian architectural history, utilizes a systematic survey approach to document the stylistic shifts and structural developments across the metropolitan area. The book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how various design movements have shaped the urban landscape over time.

This work serves as a foundational reference for students and enthusiasts of Australian urban history. The systematic categorization provides a clear, objective overview of the city's architectural heritage.