Classical Language of Architecture

John Newenham Summerson,

ISBN 10: 0262690128 / ISBN 13: 9780262690126

Published by MIT Press (MA) December 1966, 1966

Classical architecture is a visual 'language' and like any other languagehas its own grammatical rules. Classical buildings as widely spaced in time as aRoman temple, an Italian Renaissance palace and a Regency house all show anawareness of these rules even if they vary them, break them or poetically contradictthem. Sir Christopher Wren described them as the 'Latin' of architecture and theanalogy is almost exact. There is the difference, however, that whereas the learningof Latin is a slow and difficult business, the language of classical architecture isrelatively simple. It is still, to a great extent, the mode of expression of oururban surroundings, since classical architecture was the common language of thewestern world till comparatively recent times. Anybody to whom architecture makes astrong appeal has probably already discovered something of its grammar forhimself.in this book, the author's purpose is to set out as simply and vividly aspossible the exact grammatical workings of this architectural language. He is lessconcerned with its development in Greece and Rome than with its expansion and use inthe centuries since the Renaissance. He explains the vigorous discipline of 'theorders' 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 forarchitecture but more specifically for students beginning a course in the history ofarchitecture, to whom a guide to the classical rules will be an essentialcompanion. The author's purpose is to set out as simply and vividly as possible the exact grammatical workings of an architectural language. Some highlingting, Very good reading copy. Seller Inventory # 297841

Synopsis:

The author's purpose is to set out as simply and vividly as possible the exact grammatical workings of an architectural language.

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.

About the Author: John Summerson (25 November 1904 – 10 November 1992) was one of the leading British architectural historians of the 20th century.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Classical Language of Architecture
Publisher: MIT Press (MA) December 1966
Publication Date: 1966
Binding: Trade Paperback
Condition: Used - Very Good