The Architecture of Historic Hungary [Hardcover]

Dora Wiebenson (Editor), József Sisa (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0262231921 | ISBN-13: 978-0262231923 | Publication Date: May 24, 1998

Hungary's legacy of historic and modernist buildings rivals that of any country in Eastern or Western Europe. This comprehensive survey of Hungarian architecture from Roman times to the present, the first to be published in English, makes that case abundantly clear. But to appreciate the architectural history of this Central European country, it is necessary to understand architectural solutions indigenous to the Central European region as a whole. This book is both a study of the relationship between Hungary's own architecture and history, and an introduction to the larger field of Central European architecture.The authors, all leading Hungarian architectural historians with access to archives unavailable to Western scholars, provide insight into the special significance that political changes in Hungary had in the shaping of its architecture. They describe the relation of Hungarian architecture to the other arts, the assimilation of outside influences, and the search for an authentic national expression.The authors cover the entire range of Hungarian architecture--including public, private, ecclesiastical, and governmental--as well as engineering, city planning, and technological advances. They also discuss the changing roles of patrons and guilds, and the contribution of architectural publications and education to the Hungarian architectural profession. Perhaps most revealing to Western readers are the illustrations and line drawings, which document one of the most neglected but fascinating architectural traditions of Europe.Contributors : Péter Farbaki, András Ferkai, János Gerle, György Kelényi, Pál Lovei, Tibor Sabján, József Sisa.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Timely and searching, this book comprises a welcome gathering ofessays that collectively document and present to the reader thearchitectural originality that has given form to Hungarian culture." S.A. Mansbach , Associate Dean, Center for Advanced Study in theVisual Arts, National Gallery of Art

About the Author

Dora Wiebenson is Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia. József Sisa is a Research Fellow at the Art Historical Institute of the Hungarian Academy. Published with the assistance of the Getty Grant Program.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press (May 24, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262231921
• ISBN-13: 978-0262231923
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #589,229 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great discovery of a unique architecture and land., June 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Architecture of Historic Hungary (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in the architecture and history of a fascinating country and should not be overlooked. It traces Hungarian architecture from its earliest forms to recent times with impressive detail. It is both readable and well illustrated, although more color photographs might be nice. Despite numerous invasions the Hungarians were impressive builders throughout history and developed a truly beautiful national style in the 19th century. I'm amazed that after visiting Hungary and reading this book that Hungarian Art Nouveau is not included in every textbook. It's best forms have similarities to Gaudi and is very distinctive. I hope a book will soon be written about Odon Lechner and the great Hungarian architects of the 19th century.