[mattgreenrocks]

Yeah, the actual context is rarely ever delivered. And that matters a lot. Sometimes I wonder how well it would be received, though. Not to mention many books on software engineering tend to be written in a more abstract style than most blog posts. I'm not sure of the precedent for this is there; it would certainly help.

The GoF book does a decent job balancing context with theory, IMO.

[spion]

I liked the GOF book. But what I'd really love to read about are the descriptions and (architectural) histories of complete, real software systems, especially about the design decisions and the reasons behind those decisions.

I think such information will be received with great interest - it would be like receiving a shot of condensed experience in readable form. Not exactly the same with actual experience of course, but way better than just abstract principles that leave me unconvinced.

[icebraining]

Have you seen the Architecture of Open Source Applications[1]? I think it fits very well with what you just described. It explains not only the what, but also the why, with real examples of successful applications.

[1] http://aosabook.org/en/index.html

[spion]

I remember seeing it and promptly forgetting about it. Thats precisely what I needed. Thank you.