Architecture: From Pre-History to Postmodernism (Hardcover)

by Marvin Trachtenberg (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In his design for the Brooklyn Bridge, John Roebling fused Egyptian and Gothic detail into his personal version of the Roman triumphal arch. Michelangelo conceived his muscular, expressive architecture as if it were sculpture. These engaging insights are typical of the fresh approach taken by two New York University professors in this heavily illustrated, 600-page survey of Western architecture. The authors focus on monumental structures within each epoch, and give stylistic detail priority over social or political context. Even so, they often make broad connections between buildings and people. For example, a comparison of Greek freestanding temples and Rome's imposing facades suggests a difference between the freedom-loving Athenians and a Roman society dominated by state power and state religion. From Etruscan ruins to Robert Venturi's juxtaposing of low vernacular with high art, this detailed, rewarding study measures innovation against continuity.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 606 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall (March 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810910772
• ISBN-13: 978-0810910775
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.3 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #911,426 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Architecture by M. Trachtenberg & I. Hyman, February 23, 2000

By	Geraldine Fowle (UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For the past five years I have used this book to teach beginning architecture students - the first two semesters of a three-semester survey - and found the parts that I use (pre-19th century) very valuable, although the discussion of post-Medieval Spanish architecture was weak. My major complaint, however, is the absence of any maps! There should be several of them - one for each major section of the book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive survey of architecture, suitable for reference, November 14, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Eugene, Oregon) - See all my reviews

As a university student of art history and a visual thinker, I especially appreciate the dedication of Hyman and Trachtenberg to explicitly revealing the form and function of Western architecture, past and present. Organized by historic period and region, this survey clearly traces the flux of cultural aesthetics and developing technical advances in architectural construction since ancient times. Text, diagrams, and both color and black/white images are married to full effect, illuminating not only the means by which builders chose to erect monuments and structures, but more importantly, the attendant human values their achievements represent. Of all the books purchased for my schoolwork, this one stands out for its breadth, painstaking attention to detail, and egalitarian treatment of successive time periods. This classic reference book lends a fluency to the understanding of architectural dialogue and, as such, should be a cornerstone of any serious architectural library.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Blend, September 17, 2000

By	Thomas G. Robbins "t Robbins" (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is an excellent blend of factual information, ease of understanding, and philosophical insight for the beginning student of architecture. There are other books which offer more information and/or insight, but few which are as good for the uninitiated.