The Seven Lamps of Architecture

John Ruskin

Published by George Allen, Orpington, Kent, 1880

About this Item

The Seven Lamps of Architecture. By John Ruskin. Hardcover. Blue grey vellum boards with beveled edges and a gilt end block. Five raised bands, the title and 'Ruskin', in gilt letters, ornament the spine. Blue and gold marbled end papers. This book has no title page; I believe this to be because it originally had a vellum case on which those details usually found on the frontispiece were written. The Orpington edition of this book, published by George Allen in 1880 has such a slip cover and is, like this volume, bound in blue grey calf skin. It is printed by Hazel Watson and Viney Ltd and bound by W. J. Mansell. Size: 8 x 11 inches. Page number: 222. First published in 1849 The Seven Lamps of Architecture was a treatise on Gothic Architecture that proved key to the gothic revival wherein gothic elements were introduced into secular architecture. Being a theoretical work as much as it is practical, it elaborates on Ruskin's deepest convictions of the nature and role of architecture and its aesthetics. The Seven Lamps are moral categories: Sacrifice, Truth, Power, Beauty, Life, Memory and Obedience. The 14 plates show tracery, windows, balconies, capitals, sculptures and ornaments from the cathedrals, church towers and palaces of Italy and France. They are printed on heavier stock than the printed pages of the book. There are two prefaces, both written by Ruskin; the first being written at Brantwood in 1880 is an introduction to the new edition. The second is a preface to the first edition. Condition: The boards are complete though damaged by scratches. The corners are worn such that the cardboard beneath the vellum just shows through, the bands on the spine are rubbedThe vellum has cracked at the top and base of the spine but the binding remains intact, though worn. The gilding is bright. The end papers are foxed, the first few pages of the book are lightly foxed, and there is the odd spot within the main text block. The main body of the book however is absolutely clean, and unmarked by marks of use. The binding is tight; the hinges unbroken. All plates with their tissue guards are intact. A precious owners name is stamped on the fly leaf. a heavy book that may require additional postage.

Seller Inventory # 000219

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Seven Lamps of Architecture
• Publisher: George Allen, Orpington, Kent
• Publication Date: 1880
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: No jacket.