The Seven Lamps of Architecture (Dover Architecture) [Paperback]

John Ruskin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 048626145X | ISBN-13: 978-0486261454 | Publication Date: December 1, 1989

Classic work by the great Victorian expresses his deepest convictions about the nature and role of architecture and its aesthetics. This authoritative edition includes reproductions of the 14 original plates of Ruskin's superb drawings of architectural details from such structures as the Doge's Palace in Venice to the Cathedral of Rouen.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Book-length essay on architecture by John Ruskin, published in 1849. According to Ruskin, the leading principles of architecture are the "lamps" of Sacrifice, Truth, Power, Beauty, Life, Memory, and Obedience. The noblest style of architecture was Gothic, but in time medieval architecture had lost the power to resist innovation. This loss of vitality was the result of the spiritual decline of Christianity during the materialistic Renaissance. The essay took the studies of a generation of medievalists and provided them with a general framework and a moral flavor. -- The Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia of Literature --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Publisher

Kessinger Publishing reprints over 1,500 similar titles all available through Amazon.com. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (December 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 048626145X
• ISBN-13: 978-0486261454
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #247,513 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lamps for everyone, February 28, 2001

By 

"charlielimabravo" (Pullman, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seven Lamps of Architecture (Paperback)

I first got this book to help study the principles of architecture and found that I could use the concepts in my everyday life. I am currently a student of architecture at WSU and found that the observations Ruskin was making about architecture 150 years ago still applied today. The seven "lamps" mentioned in his book not only apply to architecture, but can also be utilized in almost any field of study or occupational setting. The writing is wonderfully done and ideas are clearly presented to the reader. This is the type of book you get done reading and have a genuine desire to be better at everything you do.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Architecture's Most Influential Written Work, June 10, 2001

By 

Kevin Witt (Frisco, CO, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Seven Lamps of Architecture (Hardcover)

This book is the origin of virtually every theory held throughout the history of architecture. The arts and crafts movement, Frank Lloyd Wright's organicism, and Corbusier's New Architecture are just a few examples of prominent theories whose foundations lie within the pages of this book. In this book, Ruskin prescribes the essential elements required to make timeless, meaningful architecture. This manifesto is a must for any student interested in the practice and study of architecture.

29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars rip off, February 11, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Seven Lamps of Architecture (Paperback)

The kessinger edition of this book is a rip off!!! do not buy it!!!
i received a copy in which the margins on the pages were 2 inches all around and the text was so small. everything seemed to be copied with a fax machine, so there was lots of tiny black dots all over the pages. the images are so unclear. they were black and white with no grayscales and it was so hard to make out what the images were. i returned this book for a refund.
buy the dover edition instead. its practically the same text except the text fills up the whole page and the pictures are clear. its also less than half the price of the kessinger edition.