Classical Architecture: An Introduction to Its Vocabulary and Essentials, with a Select Glossary of Terms [Paperback]

James Stevens Curl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 17, 2003

This well-illustrated book describes the fundamental principles and various aspects of classical architecture, including a detailed, illustrated glossary that is almost a dictionary of classical architecture in itself.

Professor James Stevens Curl discusses in clear, straightforward language the origins of classical architecture in Greek and Roman antiquity and outlines its continuous development, through its various manifestations during the Renaissance, its transformations in Baroque and Rococo phases, its reemergence in eighteenth-, nineteenth-, and twentieth-century Neoclassicism, and its survival into the modern era. The text and illustrations celebrate the richness of the classical architectural vocabulary, grammar, and language, and demonstrate the enormous range of themes and motifs found in the subject.

All those who wish to look at buildings old and new with an informed eye will find in this book a rich fund of material, and the basis for an understanding of a fecund source of architectural design that has been at the heart of western culture for over two and a half millennia.
333 b&w illustrations

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Curl's book is a useful alternative to the orthodox architectural histories of classicism.  Enhancing its utility are its index, clearly drawn plans, useful glossary drawn largely from his A Dictionary of Architecture and extensive illustrations . . . . Anyone who delights in the best that the art of building can provide will value this book.” (Carroll William Westfall - APT Bulletin )

“One of the definitive works on architectural thought and practice.” (Nicole V. Gagne - Traditional Building )

About the Author

James Stevens Curl is Professor of Architectural History and Senior Research Fellow at The Queen's University, Belfast. He received his doctorate at University College, London, and in 1991-92 was Visiting Fellow at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge. His many books include The Victorian Celebration of Death, The Oxford Dictionary of Architecture, The English Heritage Book of Victorian Churches, and The Art and Architecture of Freemasonry (winner of the Sir Banister Fletcher Award as Best Book of the Year, 1992).

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (May 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393731197
• ISBN-13: 978-0393731194
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Exquisitely Illustrated Encyclopedia of Classical Form, August 29, 2006

By 

J. Duncan Berry (Yarmouth Port, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Classical Architecture: An Introduction to Its Vocabulary and Essentials, with a Select Glossary of Terms (Paperback)

The ne plus ultra of visual references for classical design. Treats each component independently, both verbally and visually, and helps one aquire a weighted and balanced perspective on the full range of formal options.

The perfect companion to Sir John Summerson's slight but powerful Classical Language.

Highly recommended.