Principles of Roman Architecture [Paperback]

Mark Wilson Jones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2003

Mark Wilson Jones explores how the architects of ancient Rome approached design. Drawing on new archaeological discoveries and his own analyses of Roman monuments, the author discusses how the ancient architects dealt with the principles of architecture and the practicalities of construction as they engaged in the creative process.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is by far the best book on ancient architecture written in the last few decades, suitable both for those who think they know the field, and for those who are looking for an introduction to Roman architecture. If I was a dictator this would be a set text for an archaeology or art history course - there are insufficient synonyms of the word 'brilliant' to describe it." Dorothy King, Minerva; "A careful, sensible, and delightful consideration of all aspects of building in ancient Rome that will provide new insights for young and old scholars alike." Carol Richardson, Art Book; "Wilson Jones's excellent work combines the knowledge of a practising architect with that of an architectural historian." Choice; "This is an important work which throws new light on a number of aspects of Roman construction. It is well illustrated by the author's own drawings, by reproductions from classical works on the subject, and by excellent colour photographs." Architectural Science Review

From the Publisher

Winner of the 2002 Alice Davis Hitchcock Medallion, Winner of the 2001 Sir Banister Fletcher Award

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Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (August 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 030010202X
• ISBN-13: 978-0300102024
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #673,482 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth every cent., September 15, 2007

By 

C. Fulmer - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Principles of Roman Architecture (Paperback)

I had always wondered how the Romans calculated the ratio of width to height when designing their columns. This book treats the matter in detail with excellent diagrams and details far beyond just columns. Mouldings, orders, temples, markers, baths, etc., are all covered lucidly and with enough depth to interest both the architectural professional as well as the dilettant.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Clear, Persuasive, June 28, 2008

By 

Manar HAMMAD (Boulogne Billancourt, France) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Principles of Roman Architecture (Paperback)

A very well written book, introducing its material in an argumentative order. Taken from various regions of the roman world, archeological examples are considered in order to prove -or disprove- theoretical arguments. The arguments themselves are ordered by complexity, making the reading easier.
The point of view is clearly architecural for the analysis, while the material data are checked for archeological or static pertinence.
If the bibliography is wide ranging, it suffers from its division following the chapter order: if it is easy to follow during a first rading, it is more difficult to come back to it after closing the book.
Manar HAMMAD

5.0 out of 5 stars explicates the Pantheon, November 10, 2011

By 

james A. Means (Natchitoches, la United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Principles of Roman Architecture (Paperback)

The finest book on classical art and architecture that I have read. I was dazzled by his brilliant analysis of the "problem" presented by the facade of the Pantheon. Wilson presents quite a lot of evidence (some of it, I think, new) to support his hypothesis: namely, that Hadrian had originally planned for columns ten feet taller than those he eventually was able to obtain from the Imperial quarries in Egypt. From my point of view as a non-specialist, this essay on the Pantheon was worth the price of the book and then some. I heartily recommend this book.