How to Read Buildings: A Crash Course in Architectural Styles

Carol Davidson Cragoe

ISBN 10: 0847831124 / ISBN 13: 9780847831128

Published by Rizzoli International Publications March 2008, 2008

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 911283

Bibliographic Details

• Title: How to Read Buildings: A Crash Course in Architectural Styles
• Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications March 2008
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0847831124
• ISBN 13: 9780847831128
• Binding: Paper Back
• Condition: Used
• Seller catalogs:
  • Design

About this title

Synopsis

This practical primer is a handbook for decoding a building’s style, history, and evolution. Every building contains clues embedded in its design that identify not only its architectural style but also the story of who designed it, who it was built for, and why. Organized by architectural element (roofs, doors, windows, columns, domes, towers, arches, etc.), the book is roughly chronological within each section, examining the elements across history, through different architectural styles, and by geographical distribution. Additional chapters offer overviews of how architecture has been affected by geography, history, and religion, along with an illustrated timeline of architectural elements. Also included is a chapter on applied ornament and a handy introduction to naming each part of a building. All entries are accompanied by examples in the forms of period engravings, line drawings, and pictures. The extended captions make the book invaluable for anyone who has ever pondered the meaning or importance of a hipped roof, rounded doorway, or classical pediment.

About the Author

Dr. Carol Davidson Cragoe is a graduate of Smith College and holds a Master’s in art history from New York University. She was Architectural Editor for the Victoria County History series and more recently for English Heritage.