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Vitruvius Pollio
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Vitruvius: The Ten Books on Architecture (Volume 1) Paperback – June 1, 1960

by Vitruvius (Author), Herbert Langford Warren (Illustrator), Morris Hickey Morgan (Translator)
4.7 out of 5 stars 508 ratings
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The oldest and most influential book ever written on architecture, this volume describes the classic principles of symmetry, harmony, and proportion and the ancients' methods, materials, and aesthetics.

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, a Roman architect and engineer flourishing in the first century B.C., was the author of the oldest and most influential work on architecture in existence. For hundreds of years, the specific instructions he gave in his "Ten Books on Architecture" were followed faithfully, and major buildings in all parts of the world reveal the widespread influence of his precepts. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, he was "the chief authority studied by architects, and in every point his precepts were accepted as final. Bramante, Michelangelo, Palladio, Vignola, and earlier were careful students of the work of Vitruvius." His book is thus one of those rare works that have been supremely important in the creation of the greatest art masterpieces.
Vitruvius describes the classic principles of symmetry, harmony, and proportion in architecture; the design of the treasury, prison, senate house, baths, forum, and temples; the construction of the theater: its site, foundations, and acoustics; the proper style and proportion for private dwellings; the differences between the Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian styles; methods of giving durability and beauty to polished finishings; and many other topics that help us understand the methods and beliefs of the Roman architect.
It is a direct, authoritative, and detailed introduction to the ancients' methods of construction, the materials of the architect, and the prevailing aesthetic beliefs of the times; but it is also a work of art. Vitruvius wrote in such a fascinating manner and digressed from his subject so often (as, for instance, when he wrote about the winds, Archimedes in his bath, and why authors should receive awards and honors at least as often as athletes) that his book has had a continuing appeal to the general reader for many centuries. Besides being an instructive treatise on nearly everything connected with Roman and Greek architecture, it is an entertaining description of some aspects of the life and beliefs of the times. This edition is the standard English translation, prepared over a period of several years by Professor M. H. Morgan of Harvard University.
 
  • Foundational Text in Architecture: Vitruvius's Ten Books on Architecture is an essential tome that has shaped the field of architecture since its creation in ancient Rome, influencing Bramante, Michelangelo, Palladio, Vignola, and others, and remains relevant today.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Vitruvius's work covers a wide range of topics crucial to architecture, including the importance of symmetry, harmony, the use of building materials, and the role of the environment in architectural design.
  • Historical Insight and Wisdom: This seminal work details architectural techniques and embodies the wisdom of Roman construction and engineering, offering readers a window into the technological and aesthetic considerations of the time.
  • Influence on Art and Culture: Vitruvius's ideas have influenced Renaissance art, mainly through Leonardo da Vinci's iconic concept of the Vitruvian Man, symbolizing the blend of art, science, and philosophy.
  • Timeless Principles: The book’s exploration of harmony, proportion, and balance in building designs continues to inform modern architecture, making it a timeless reference for architects, students, and enthusiasts alike.
  • A Must-Read for Architecture Enthusiasts: The Ten Books on Architecture is a fundamental piece for understanding the roots of architectural practice and serves as a source of inspiration and contemplation for anyone intrigued by the intersection of history, art, and architectural design.
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  1. Print length
    368 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Dover Publications
  4. Publication date
    June 1, 1960
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.75 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0486206459
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0486206455
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 1, 1960
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0486206459
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0486206455
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.75 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 508 ratings

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Vitruvius Pollio

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4.7 out of 5 stars
508 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book to be a must-read for architects, with one noting it provides wonderful insights into the foundation values of classical architecture. They appreciate its readability, considering it a classic that should be in every artist and architect library.

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22 customers mention "Information quality"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book full of good information and interesting analysis, with several noting it is a must-read for architects. One customer describes it as a wonderful book to read about foundation values of classical architecture, while another mentions how it helps understand the true origins of architecture.

"...Simple concepts explained and set in these two books prove more "Green" than anything brought up today in this world based off of fade and..." Read more

"...Also an interesting look at life as seen by an upper middle class Roman of the first century." Read more

"...Vitruvius was mentioned (of course). His Ten Books on Architecture are classics...." Read more

"...I found the book very interesting, giving an insight of Roman construction methods and materials...." Read more

22 customers mention "Readability"19 positive3 negative

Customers find the book readable and consider it a classic that should be in every artist and architect library.

"...An exelent book with a lot of information concerning even weapons of war, nevertheless in those sections at wich Vitruvius does an extensive..." Read more

"The translation is excellent, but what makes this book so worthwhile is the large-format illustration of the ideas...." Read more

"...It is still readable and in general in good form." Read more

"Love it. I’m not an architect and I enjoyed the read very much. Vitruvius was an interesting dude." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Olivia
    5.0 out of 5 stars 10/10
    Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Fun
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jackson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Vitruvius The ten books of Architcture
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2010
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book is a MUST for every interested mind to understanding the basics and logic to why construction and design is, what it is! Today construction throws logic out the door and is based off of money ... short term return. This book along with Palladio's book, Four Books of Architecture, will be the corner stone of a new chapter in construction and design. Designers, Builders and politicians (who should not be in the mix of decision makers) all talk the talk of "Green", proving to be a farce in many ways. Simple concepts explained and set in these two books prove more "Green" than anything brought up today in this world based off of fade and fashion.

    Just make it simple, get these two books into your reading schedule and learn what was forgotten. The thought process becomes clear once taken the time to just sit down and READ!!!

    Michael in Charlotte, NC
    (previously of FL, previously of NV, previously of CA, previously of DC, previously of PA)
    21 people found this helpful
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  • Tony Baker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Classic text written two thousand years ago
    Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    An excellent reference source for archaeologists and students of Roman architecture. Also an interesting look at life as seen by an upper middle class Roman of the first century.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • John Edwards
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have on my bookshelf, at least....
    Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2020
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Well, it's not like I'm going to sit down and read this thing cover to cover but it is fun and occasionally useful to have in arm's reach.
    Helpful
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  • C Concord
    4.0 out of 5 stars It's a Classic - It's Free - You Can't Go Wrong
    Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I took a History of Architecture course. Vitruvius was mentioned (of course). His Ten Books on Architecture are classics. If you have any interest in classic architecture, you need to peruse these texts. If you ever take an architecture class, you will need to peruse these texts. It free for the Kindle - you can't go wrong.

    It is a bit laborious to read but that's to be expected. It wasn't written by Stephanie Meyers (or whoever that Twilight author is.)
    5 people found this helpful
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  • P. D. Wolfgram
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended text.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2017
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I recommend this book for all architecture students for their early college curriculum. This issue is a value reprint with low quality illustrations of a early 20th century translation. Amazing who many Wikipedia articles refer to this text and the extent of technology developed in the first century and lost and rediscovered over a thousand years later.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Harro
    5.0 out of 5 stars All architects and civil engineers should read it
    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2018
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I am of the age group that had had rigorous courses through eight years of European "Gimnazium" type high schooling. I found the book very interesting, giving an insight of Roman construction methods and materials. I would have been happier if the book were bilingual.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • R. de M
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible
    Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Just an incredible eloquence. If you like the topic you will surely enjoy the book.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Clement Dubois 75
    4.0 out of 5 stars Un classique
    Reviewed in France on August 2, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Ne pas posséder ce livre pour quelqu'un qui se dit intéressé par l'Architecture serait comme si un mélomane ne possédait pas quelques oeuvres de Bach. L'ouvrage se passe de mots, puisqu'il s'agit d'une oeuvre de référence. Ce format est vendu à prix démocratique, parce que les ouvrages d'époque valent des fortunes.
    Report
  • tusharshivan
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read book about Architecture
    Reviewed in India on June 10, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A must read book. It's for anyone who wants to have a knowledge on how to build great buildings.
    It's kind of like liberal art.
    Report
  • Andy Huang
    5.0 out of 5 stars all-time classics
    Reviewed in Australia on July 21, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    all time classics for any students of architecture
    Report
  • Kyle M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good Experience
    Reviewed in Canada on December 23, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Item was as expected and arrived quickly and in good condition. Bought it for a course and it did the job. Thanks!
    Report
  • MS
    5.0 out of 5 stars You will get more than you expect.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 31, 2014
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    The ten books do very well what they promise to do. They describe the fundamentals of ancient architecture and building practices. During the time between then and now, some of the technical details have been proven to be correct while some have been found to be completely off-track, sometimes very amusing still. This all is something one knows to expect from the book. The extra bonus is that as Vitruvius has been given the means, he takes the liberty to write about whatever he feels the urge to write about. The are numerous pages about general politics, and what I specially enjoyed: a short wondering about why the sportsmen are so much more valued in the society than persons with more useful achievements. Just to give an example of the loose fencing around the subject.
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