Hi AskHistorians.
I have to do a 5-6 page double spaced paper on a single architectural element, style, or something similar. I chose domes as my first paper was solely on the Pantheon and I have some background/idea on the importance of the dome. Yes it's extremely easy and short assignment but I have yet to find a singular book that details the evolution of the use of domes in architecture (mainly looking for Pantheon, early AD to Islamic mosques).
The best book I have found is "The Dome: A Sutdy in the History of Ideas" by E. Baldwin Smith, but I have skimmed its contents and it doesn't seem to dedicate even a small portion for the Pantheon, which to my understanding is an extremely important architectural accomplish in the Roman Empire, so maybe it isn't as thorough as I would like. Or I guess I'm dumb and overemphasizing its importance.
The history section of Domes on Wikipedia is pretty much want I want except in book form and that's where I found the book I listed above.
Any general book recommendations? I attend a large university and I think I would be able to find obscure architecture books.
Thanks in advance.
I would take a look at Hitchcock and Seale, Temples of Democracy; their classic study of the state capitols develops the idea of how the dome became an important part of capitols. Although it is older than some sources, I would trust their bibliography on the evolution and importance of the dome, not just in the US, but in general.