Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture is a compilation of more than 5,000 photographs and drawings in nearly 1,500 entries that define the technical and stylistic elements of both current and historical architecture. Some definitions stand alone, but most are accompanied by at least one illustration.
Terms are arranged alphabetically. Definitions of similar elements are clustered together under one heading, for example, geodesic dome, interdome, melon dome, and bellshaped dome are all included under dome. All terms are listed in the alphabetical index at the end of the volume. Throughout the volume, see references guide the user to the correct term or cluster of terms.
Definitions are brief, generally no more than one or two sentences for most elements. The clear photographs and drawings, all in black and white, convey the definitions of the elements better than hundreds of words could. Often more than one illustration is used to show variations. Doorway, for example, has six photographs of different historical and modern examples. The buildings used to illustrate architectural elements are not identified as to date, location, or architect.
Two or three small black-and-white photographs are not enough to give more than the most general idea. There are no entries for architects. More comprehensive resources include Dictionary of Architecture and Construction [RBB O 1 93] and The Penguin Dictionary of Architecture (4th ed., Penguin, 1991), not to mention the 34-volume Dictionary of Art [RBB D 15 96]. However, Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture is very useful in making clear just what is meant by terms such as crocket ornament, impost, and rustication. It is an excellent resource for interested laypeople as well as professionals in the field and is recommended as a ready-reference tool for public, academic, and high-school libraries.
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Review
"an excellent resource for interested laypeople as well as professionals in the field...recommended as a ready-reference tool for public, academic, and high-school libraries" - Booklist "a fool-proof guide to understanding architectural elements: Ernest Burden's Dictionary of Architecture is long on illustration, a commendable fact given that most conventional architectural dictionaries many times leave one guessing as to meanings even after repeated readings of definitions. If you're ever a bit fuzzy as to the difference between a spandrel and a pendentive, Burden's 'point-and-shoot' approach and cross-referenced entries may prove invaluable in clearing up such gray areas of the field's nomenclature." - 4 star review on amazon.com
