The Aesthetics of Architecture - Softcover

Scruton, Roger

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0691158339 ISBN 13: 9780691158334

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2013

Synopsis

Architecture is distinguished from other art forms by its sense of function, its localized quality, its technique, its public and nonpersonal character, and its continuity with the decorative arts. In this important book, Roger Scruton calls for a return to first principles in contemporary architectural theory, contending that the aesthetic of architecture is, in its very essence, an aesthetic of everyday life. Aesthetic understanding is inseparable from a sense of detail and style, from which the appropriate, the expressive, the beautiful, and the proportionate take their meaning. Scruton provides incisive critiques of the romantic, functionalist, and rationalist theories of design, and of the Freudian, Marxist, and semiological approaches to aesthetic value.

In a new introduction, Scruton discusses how his ideas have developed since the book's original publication thirty years ago, and he assesses the continuing relevance of his argument for the twenty-first century.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"Impressive in its intellectual depth and range, and imbued throughout with wisdom and humanity, this brilliant book is the most important contribution to its subject since the writings of Ruskin. There is simply no modern equal to Professor Scruton's unique and comprehensive architectural treatise."--David Watkin, professor emeritus of the history of architecture, University of Cambridge

"The Aesthetics of Architecture has long been recognized as an important book. This new edition demonstrates that it is indispensable for anyone concerned about rectifying the 'uglification of the world.'"--Roger Kimball, editor and publisher of the New Criterion

"The Aesthetics of Architecture is clear and rigorous in argument, but also brilliantly imaginative and illuminating. This is simply the most important treatment of its subject and it will be read for so long as that subject is discussed."--John Haldane, University of St Andrews

"Scruton presents a brilliant critique of the principles of architecture held as dogma by many architects. Seeing architecture through his eyes is at once a revelation and a compelling narrative for architectural detail and the classical tradition!"--Duncan G. Stroik, University of Notre Dame

About the Author:

Roger Scruton is a visiting professor at Oxford University, where he is also a Fellow at Blackfriars Hall. His many books include Art and Imagination, Sexual Desire, The Aesthetics of Music, and A Political Philosophy: Arguments for Conservatism.

About this edition

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0691158339
• ISBN 13: 9780691158334
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320