The Classical Language of Architecture
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Product Description
Product Description
Classical architecture is a visual "language" and like any other language has its own grammatical rules. Classical buildings as widely spaced in time as a Roman temple, an Italian Renaissance palace and a Regency house all show an awareness of these rules even if they vary them, break them or poetically contradict them. Sir Christopher Wren described them as the "Latin" of architecture and the analogy is almost exact. There is the difference, however, that whereas the learning of Latin is a slow and difficult business, the language of classical architecture is relatively simple. It is still, to a great extent, the mode of expression of our urban surroundings, since classical architecture was the common language of the western world till comparatively recent times. Anybody to whom architecture makes a strong appeal has probably already discovered something of its grammar for himself.in this book, the author's purpose is to set out as simply and vividly as possible the exact grammatical workings of this architectural language. He is less concerned with its development in Greece and Rome than with its expansion and use in the centuries since the Renaissance. He explains the vigorous discipline of "the orders" and the scope of "rustication"; the dramatic deviations of the Baroque and, in the last chapter, the relationship between the classical tradition and the "modern" architecture of today. The book is intended for anybody who cares for architecture but more specifically for students beginning a course in the history of architecture, to whom a guide to the classical rules will be an essential companion.
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First Sentence
I must begin by assuming some general knowledge. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
I must begin by assuming some general knowledge. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A fantastic non-snob guide to the principles of classical architecture, the authors passion and sincerity is infectious. The easiest and most informative classical architecture book I have read.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I bought this book as a complete beginner, and found it a wealth of information. It has come in very handy for my degree. Very well explained for the complete novice on classical architechture. Worth buying. Dictionary would be better with illustrations though!
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
i read this book in german language and it was my first of john summerson. actually i read everything of him. i read this book as a student and it gave me abetter impression of the idea of classic architecture than any lecture. so i would recommend this book to everyone who is interested in architecture and who wants to do more than pray architectural patterns.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Classic itself
This book should be on every architect's bookshelf - not just for the knowledge it imparts of the columns, capitols and pediments but for the lessons in proportion, rhythm and... Read more
Published 13 days ago by Doug
The Perfect Primer
This slim & reasonably priced volume is the perfect primer for anyone interested in architecture in general & the classical style in particular. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Sean T. Page
Quite Comprehensive
This book does explain the foundations of Classical Architecture. I did find it quite chatty but that meant that it did jump around a bit, sometimes making it hard to follow. Read more
Published 4 months ago by S. Hawkes
Brief but packed
This was on a reading list for Uni' and I'm very glad I bought it.
It is well written without overly exuberant or flowery language (the curse of the subject sometimes) and the... Read more
It is well written without overly exuberant or flowery language (the curse of the subject sometimes) and the... Read more
Published 13 months ago by JaFo
Good intro
Classic text, reccommended to all people new to the fascinating world of classical and neo-classical architecture. An excellent introduction.
Published on 6 Oct 2004 by Webby
Reasonable
I read this book for my degree and although valid it can have a great sense of disparity and at times contradiction. Read more
Published on 16 May 2001
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