The first part of this study covers the technical, economic and site constraints of the famous ancient Khmer monuments, as well as the architectural concepts and decoration of the structures. The second part considers the buildings proper. It then considers in turn the important shrines of Pre Rup, Tak Keo, the Bapuon and Angkor Wat, and concludes with a survey of the architecture in the reign of Jayavarman VII and wooden structures of the thirteenth century. The book also considers the historical and social context of these monuments, forming a clear expression of early Khmer society.

Dr. Jacques Dumarçay (EFEO) is an architect and has taken part in the restoration of several monuments in Cambodia and Indonesia.
Pascal Royère is an architect with the EFEO currently working on the restauration of the Bapuon.