Classical Architecture: An Introduction to Its Vocabulary and Essentials, With a Select Glossary of Terms - Softcover

Curl, James Stevens

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0442308965 ISBN 13: 9780442308964

Publisher: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1993

Synopsis

Publisher's note: The fundamentals of Classical Architecture are described here in a series of concise chapters followed by a detailed, illustrated glossary, almost a dictionary of Classical Architecture in itself. Professor Curl describes the rise of Classical Architecture in Greek and Roman Antiquity, and follows its continuous development, sometimes explicit, sometimes only hinted at, through the Romanesque and Gothic era to Renaissance times, through Baroque and Rococo phases to eighteenth-century Neoclassicism, and then to various manifestations in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The text and illustrations celebrate the richness of the Classical vocabulary, grammar and language of Architecture, demonstrating an enormous range of themes and motifs. Nearly 200 black and white photographs and 150 line drawings and plans illustrate the text.

About this title

About the Author

James Stevens Curl is Professor of Architectural History and Senior Research Fellow at The Queen's University, Belfast. He received his doctorate at University College, London, and in 1991-92 was Visiting Fellow at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge. His many books include The Victorian Celebration of Death, The Oxford Dictionary of Architecture, The English Heritage Book of Victorian Churches, and The Art and Architecture of Freemasonry (winner of the Sir Banister Fletcher Award as Best Book of the Year, 1992).

Review

“Curl's book is a useful alternative to the orthodox architectural histories of classicism.  Enhancing its utility are its index, clearly drawn plans, useful glossary drawn largely from his A Dictionary of Architecture and extensive illustrations . . . . Anyone who delights in the best that the art of building can provide will value this book.”
- Carroll William Westfall, APT Bulletin

“One of the definitive works on architectural thought and practice.”
- Nicole V. Gagne, Traditional Building

Edition details

• Publisher: Van Nostrand Reinhold
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0442308965
• ISBN 13: 9780442308964
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1