Product Description
This is a complete survey of European architecture of the 19th century. In particular, it examines the influence of the cultural trends of the period on the architects' works. The first section deals with the history of 18th-century architecture in France and England, countries where Cartesian-school philosophical speculation and Anglo-Saxon philosophical empiricism wielded a determining influence. After analysing the developments of the classical tradition and its propagation throughout Europe, the book studies in depth the history of architectural movements, comprising neo-Classicism, neo-Renaissance and neo-Gothic architecture. The outstanding, forerunning personalities of this brilliant artistic period who, in the course of the 19th century, offered fecund theoretic and stylistic contributions include Gottfried Semper, John Ruskin and Eugene Viollet-le-Duc. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A pictorial "Ferrari" of history of architecture books
A part of the series History of World Architecture originally published by Electa in Italian in 1971-7 under a general editorship of Pier Luigi Nervi, it was translated to English and published by Abrams in 1971-80 in b&w only, but at 10 x 11 1/4 inches. Subsequently, the series was reedited, shrunk to 8 5/8 x 9 1/2 inches, and published by Electa / Rizzoli in 1985-9 with a few color photos added including each front cover. In the early 2000's, the series was reissued by Phaidon unchanged except for the front cover photo. It is a pictorial "Ferrari" of history of architecture books. Almost every page contains one or - usually - more than one illustration as photo, plan, section, elevation, axonometric view, etc. of the highest quality. They depict the best examples of topical architecture covering the most significant ones. The text was written by one of the best experts in the field. While relatively concise, it is still comprehensive and complete enough even for students of architecture.
664 black & white illustrations, including photographs, plans, drawings and reconstructions (the Electa / Rizzoli edition was divided into two volumes, and it added 48 color photos found in the Phaidon edition as well). In the Abrams edition also a biographical appendix, covering 290 architects, and synoptic chronological tables.
PUBLISHER'S SYNOPSIS:
This volume offers a complete survey of post-Baroque European architecture examining in particular the influence of the cultural trends of XVIII and XIX centuries on the architects' works. The first section of the book deals with the history of XVIII-century architecture in France and England - countries where Cartesian-school philosophical speculation and Anglo-Saxon philosophical empiricism influenced the most - starting with Claude Perrault. After analysing the developments of the classical tradition and its spread throughout Europe, the book studies in depth the history of architectural movements, comprising neo-classicism, neo-Renaissance and neo-Gothic architecture. The outstanding, forerunning personalities of this brilliant artistic period who, in the course of the XIX century, offered prolific theoretic and stylistic contributions, include Gottfried Semper, John Ruskin and Eugène Viollet-le Duc. ... Read more

Product Description
This massive compendium by a noted architectural historian contains over 2000 line drawings, and clear, concise definitions for over 5000 important terms relating to the architectural achievements of a great variety of world cultures, ancient to modern. Includes cutaway views, close-ups of intricate details, precisely rendered plans for many famed structures.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Useful
I ordered this dictionary for a History of Design class. The required textbook wasn't very useful so I got this dictionary to do my terminology assignments. It's easy to use and has great descriptions and pictures.

My favorite book on Western Architecture
No long narratives, but a picture or dictionary description of everything you can think of architecturally.Very easy to use.This is my most used book for a class in the history of western architecture.The drawings are VERY well done.

Great Textbook Follow-Up
I love this book!My textbook can be unclear on certain architectural elements and I can almost always count on this book to give me a definition and a drawing.If you are looking for colored pictures this isn't the right book for you but if you need some great reference material this is a great book.

Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture
This book is extremely helpful when taking any Architecture History course.Everything I have needed to know is in this book.The diagrams are more understandable than my textbook.

Dictionary Covering World Architecture
Cyril Harris has produced two great architectural dictionaries.The first one published in 1977 is the one currently being reviewed.His second dictionary is entitled, "American Architecture:An Illustrated Encyclopedia" and it was published in 1998 by Norton.

If your interest in primarily in American Architecture stick to "American Architecture".It is a newer book and its has beautiful line illustrations of which the majority come from the Historic American Building Survey (HABS).It has over 2,500 definitions and 1,000 illustrations.

However, if your interest is in World Architecture, this is the book for you.In this volume, Harris provides concise definitions for over 5,000 architectural terms and there are over 2,000 illustrations.From ancient ruins to 20th Century Modern Architecture, this illustrated dictionary covers the full spectrum of architectural achievement.All the illustrations are black and white line illustrations and they appear to principally come from the illustrated magazines of the 19th and Early 20th Century. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's large-scale digitization efforts. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the original text that can be both accessed online and used to create new print copies. The Library also understands and values the usefulness of print and makes reprints available to the public whenever possible. This book and hundreds of thousands of others can be found in the HathiTrust, an archive of the digitized collections of many great research libraries. For access to the University of Michigan Library's digital collections, please see http://www.lib.umich.edu and for information about the HathiTrust, please visit http://www.hathitrust.org ... Read more

Product Description
Liang Ssu-ch'eng (1901-1972) was a pioneer in the scientific study of Chinese architectural history. He virtually created this field in China, and most of its current practitioners are his students. The book, which he wrote in English for a Western public and originally intended to publish in the 1940s, provides a rare record and analysis of temples, pagodas, tombs, bridges, and imperial palaces that are China's architectural heritage. It is a record that could not be duplicated today because a number of the structures have since been altered or demolished.With his co-workers, Liang combed the countryside for ancient buildings which he photographed with his Leica camera and recorded in large, detailed architectural drawings of plans, elevations, and cross-sections. These drawings are a text in themselves. Bearing captions in Chinese and English, they teach fundamental lessons about the anatomy of Chinese structures.Liang's account covers the origin of Chinese architecture and its two surviving basic handbooks from the 12th and 18th centuries; architecture of the pre-Buddhist period; cave temples; buildings in wood traced through several periods of stylistic development from c. 850 to 1911; Buddhist pagodas (most of the surviving pagodas are masonry structures) from simple square plans to those that are multi-storied and eaved; and other masonry structures such as tombs, vaulted buildings, bridges; terraces; and gateways.For most of his life, Liang Ssu-ch'eng lived in China, but as a young man he received his architectural training at the University of Pennsylvania. Wilma and John K. Fairbank first met him in China in 1932. During his last visit to the United States, in 1947 as a Visiting Professor at Yale, Mrs. Fairbank agreed to edit his manuscript and to help him find an American publisher. However, a combination of political and personal circumstances, compounded by the loss of the original drawings and photographs (they were only rediscovered in 1980) made publication of this unusual project impossible until now. ... Read more

Product Description
Architecture and the Sites of History is an introductory textbook that explains how the present state of the urban and rural environment came into being. The book derives from an innovative history course for planning, building and architecture students given at University College of London's Bartlett School of Architecture and Planning by a diverse range of scholars and practitioners.

Unlike other introductory histories of architecture, a wide range of different interpretations is brought to bearupon the subject.Constructions are appraised from architectural, economic and cultural viewpoints. Themes which recur in history are treated equally from differing perspectives. While great buildings are given their due weight, the tissue of everyday life in town and country is given equal importance. This is only in part a book about the history of monuments. More than the usual attention is paid to everyday buildings and to how cities and landscapes have grown and changed, all topics not normally found in standard textbooks.

Accessible introduction to architecture
Lavishly illustrated with over 200 photographs, paintings and drawings
Covers Western architecture and cities
... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Publisher: London, R. Faulder [etc.]; Publication date: 1801; Subjects: Naval architecture History; Naval architecture; History / Military / Naval; Technology ... Read more

Product Description
When it was first published, Godfrey Goodwin's study immediately established itself as a definitive work on the subject. It remains the only comprehensive survey in English and virtually the only account of the last two centuries of Turkish architecture.

The author treats his subject chronologically and in its historical perspective, with full discussion of the effects of conquests, religion, and social organization. He describes not only the great mosques but also the layout and function of the buildings that came to be grouped around the mosques: schools, baths, hostels, kitchens, fountains, mausoleums, and shops. Fortifications, waterworks, and bridges are also considered. Turkish words are explained in a glossary, and there is a chronological table listing Ottoman rulers and the relevant historical events, together with detailed notes and an extensive bibliography. 521 color illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Breathtaking Survey of Ottoman Architecture
One cannot lavish enough superlatives on this work. The astounding, encyclopedic knowledge of the author of his subject matter, his loving dedication to it, and the insight and inconoclasism that permeates this tome all make for a wonderful reading. While every chapter of this book has something to recommend (especially the earlier chapters), I found the three chapters on the famous 16th century Ottoman master architect Mimar Sinan to be exceptionally poetic. I have recently carried an earlier edition of this book with me on a pilgrimage of sorts following the Sinan mosques in Istanbul from the earliest (Haseki Hu'rrem Mosque) through his more grand masterpieces such as the Sulaymaniae and his later sublime works such as Rustem Pasha and Sokollu Pasha mosques. All the details of interest were there as was the more arching overview of what the architect was up to and how he met or failed to meet the challenges at hand. The book covers the entire Anadoul plateau and some examples from the provinces. It is very informative on the influences of different architectural genres (the Byzantine and the Seljuk to name two obvious ones) on the Ottoman example. If art and architecture are windows into understanding and appreciating accomplishments of cultures and societies you would be hard put to find a better guide to Ottoman architectural and cultural achievements.

matchless
Goodwin's A History of Ottoman architecture was first published in 1971. Since then it has been the primary reference book on Ottoman architecture. Every student of this architectural tradition from first year universitystudents to emeritius professors still use this book whenever they needinformation on a certain period or building. This book not only givesencyclopedic information, but also provides the reader with a certain pointof view and masterfully done interpretation on specific issues. Goodwin'srich terminological and conceptual tools make the book valuable in respectto its scientific definitiveness and narrative. Each chapter containsdrawings, plans and photographs of the buildings and of urban settings.Since Goodwin's book comprises the history of Ottoman architecture from itsbeginnings to its end, the reader should not expect to find theillustrations of all buildings. On the other hand, Goodwin not only dealswith the primary Ottoman buildings of istanbul, but also gives descriptionsand comparative evaluations of some of the minor buildings outside of thecapital city. This last treat is generally lacking in other generalhistories of Ottoman architecture. Therefore, I highly recommend this bookto anybody who is interested in great architectures of the world. ... Read more

Product Description
The first edition of this major survey on interior design by John Pile won the 2001 ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Educational Foundation/Joel Polsky Prize. Now this standard history has been updated to reflect greater coverage of non-Western design, as well as vernacular and residential interiors. A deeper exploration of sustainable design and a CD-ROM with an interactive presentation of periods and styles makes this the most relevant text available. Includes more than 500 photographs and drawings in color and black and white. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Brand new book for much less!
I received my brand new book in perfect condition just days after placing order! First book out of 7 to come in the mail. I would definitely recommend buying this book if needed...speedy service and in mint condition-couldn't ask for more.

A History og Interior Design
A Text book on Interior design History deliverd at my door in an excellent condition for a second hand textbook. I got it at a very great deal. I am highly recommend this site for a second hand textbook. You can save a big buck!.

Samantha W. Seeboonruang

Perfect for college-level collections strong in interior design history
The third updated edition of A HISTORY OF INTERIOR DESIGN comes packed with the latest examples throughout and offers a synthesis of some 6,000 years of domestic and public interiors. Topics range from furniture and decoration to cave dwellings and temples, cathedrals and palaces, and provide a blend of architectural survey and political and social analysis to consider the extent of how interior style evolves. An accompanying CD-ROM with over 100 illustrations provides a timeline of this history. Perfect for college-level collections strong in interior design history.

amazing resource!
WOW! beautifully organized and articulated. thoughtful and well-rounded discussion of the variation and evolution of interior design. it was purchased to use as a course resource (on 20th century American consumer culture), but am now tempted to buy my OWN copy.

Usefull For designers
It's a very interesting book, it offers a vew over design from ancient times to ower days. We can follow the developement of design over time. The book is recomended especialy for professional designers. ... Read more

Product Description
The history of Venetian architecture is no less remarkable than the history of the city itself. Ennio Concina's comprehensive survey draws on extensive original research on the cultural history of Venice to offer fresh insights and an energetic approach to the architecture. Beginning with the traces of classical activity found in the territory that became ducal Venice, through its establishment as an urba magna in the Byzantine age, and the architectural glories of the Renaissance and Baroque city, Concina discusses the influence of Venice's extraordinary position in history and geography on the architectural styles to be found there. He overturns many long established theories on the development of the lagoon city, and discusses the work of many of history's most famous architects--Sansovino, Sanmicheli, Palladio, Longhena--this brings the story up to date with an examination of the twentieth-century's attempts to expand the economy, and preserve the city's heritage. ... Read more

Product Description
The 14th century in Italian art is a very rich one, and Professor White's book gives architecture equal weight with painting and sculpture. The story of the Gothic style and the prehistory of the Renaissance is given: all the facts are related, but also the works of art are described with insight and for their own sakes, and not simply as data for fitting into schemes and theories. Among the great names are those of Arnolfo di Cambio, the Pisani, Cavallini, Cimabue, Duccio, Giotto, Simone Martini, and the Lorenzetti; among the buildings S. Croce, S. Maria Novella, the cathedral and the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, and the cathedrals of Siena, Orvieto, and Milan, as well as churches, castles, and civic buildings from the Val d'Aosta to Sicily. The third edition of this work includes colour illustrations and incorporates textual revisions and an updated bibliography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

preparation
It is a kind general book on the art history of Italy, but it is a very good introduction to it and it will certainly serve a new student. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A pictorial "Ferrari" of history of architecture books
A part of the series History of World Architecture originally published by Electa in Italian in 1971-7 under a general editorship of Pier Luigi Nervi, it was translated to English and published by Abrams in 1971-80 in b&w only, but at 10 x 11 1/4 inches. Subsequently, the series was reedited, shrunk to 8 5/8 x 9 1/2 inches, and published by Electa / Rizzoli in 1985-9 with a few color photos added including each front cover. In the early 2000's, the series was reissued by Phaidon unchanged except for the front cover photo. It is a pictorial "Ferrari" of history of architecture books. Almost every page contains one or - usually - more than one illustration as photo, plan, section, elevation, axonometric view, etc. of the highest quality. They depict the best examples of topical architecture covering the most significant ones. The text was written by one of the best experts in the field. While relatively concise, it still is comprehensive and complete enough even for students of architecture.
(437 illustrations, including 140 diagrams, floor plans, and reconstructions, in the Abrams edition.)
TABLE OF CONTEXTABLE OF CONTENTS
(Abrams edition):
PREFACE by Pier Luigi Nervi
FOREWORD 8
INTRODUCTION 9
CHAPTER ONE Pre-Romanesque Architecture 13
CHAPTER TWO Early Romanesque Architecture 63
CHAPTER THREE High Romanesque Architecture 145
CHAPTER FOUR Late Romanesque Architecture 243
CHAPTER FIVE Domestic and Military Architecture 367
CHAPTER SIX The Church Building and Its Environment 379
SYNOPTIC TABLES 390
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY 405
INDEX 415
LIST OF PLATES 425
LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHIC CREDITS 431

(Rizzoli edition):
INTRODUCTION
Chapter One PRE-ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE 10
Chapter Two EARLY ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE 34
Chapter Three HIGH ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE 79
Chapter Four LATE ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE 127
Chapter Five DOMESTIC AND MILITARY ARCHITECTURE 183
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY 200
INDEX 210
LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHIC CREDITS 223 ... Read more

Product Description
This book traces the earliest history of architecture at its birthplace in the ancient Middle East (primarily the current Iran and Iraq) and ancient Egypt, and covers archeological sites, temples, tombs, and early dwellings - several of which have been the subject of recent news coverage on sites and treasures threatened by the Iraq war and political instability. The History of World Architecture is one of Electa's most popular architecture series, with each book in the series providing a comprehensive overview of its subject by a world-renowned expert in the field, accompanied by 200-300 black-and-white photographs, plans, and drawings and 24 colour plates. First published in the 1970s and 1980s, the Italian editions of these books remain standard reference works in architecture history and continue to sell well due to the authority of their authors, their judicious combination of text and illustrations, and careful use of accurate yet accessible terms. The English editions, after being out of print for several years, are now available again exclusively through Phaidon. The books are ideal for college-level students of architecture history, and for anyone who seeks one basic and i ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A pictorial "Ferrari" of history of architecture books
A part of the series History of World Architecture originally published by Electa in Italian in 1971-7 under a general editorship of Pier Luigi Nervi, it was translated to English and published by Abrams in 1971-80 in b&w only, but at 10 x 11 1/4 inches. Subsequently, the series was reedited, shrunk to 8 5/7 x 9 1/2 inches, and published by Electa / Rizzoli in 1985-9 with a few color photos added including each front cover. In the early 2000's, the series was reissued by Phaidon unchanged except for the front cover photo. It is a pictorial "Ferrari" of history of architecture books. Almost every page contains one or - usually - more than one illustration as photo, plan, section, elevation, axonometric view, etc. of the highest quality. They depict the best examples of topical architecture covering the most significant ones. The text was written by one of the best experts in the field. While relatively concise, it is still comprehensive and complete enough even for students of architecture.
The Abrams' edition combines Ancient and Greek Architectures and contains 525 black & white illustrations, including 179 diagrams and reconstructions.

PUBLISHER'S SYNOPSIS:

*ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE*:
(24 color and 249 black & white illustrations in non-Abrams' editions.)
Seton Lloyd and Hans Wolfgang Müller describe the beginnings of architecture in the Ancient Near Middle East and Egypt, the brithplace of Western civilisation, where the newly born science of construction merged with an emerging aesthetic practice. This book examines sites and structures from neolithic temples in Anatolia to the royal tombs of Egypt. Each page combines reconstruction drawings of site plans, building perspectives, and decorative elements with photographs of archeological sites including aerial views and details. An extensive section is devoted to Egyptian architecture from its origins to the first century AC. Also included are the first dwellings on a circular plan, dating from the 8th millenium BC in Jordan, the famous site of Catal Hayuk, the ziggurat towers of the Neo-Assyrians and Neo -Babylonians, and the Achaemenids. The book examines the theological requirements, organization, and hierarchies in the architectural practices of the era.

*GREEK ARCHITECTURE*:
(24 color and 276 black and white illustrations in non-Abrams' editions.)
This volume presents an extraordinary collection of images and covers the whole range of Greek architecture, from a thorough analysis of Minoan Crete - which marked the beginning of the history of Western architecture - through Mycenae, to the magnificence of the Doric places of worship: from the temples of Corinth, Delphi and the Acropolis to those of Magna Graecia. The book covers the birth and evolution of the doric and ionic orders, religious architecture, and the temples and structures of Classical Greece. There is a substantial section on civic architecture, which closely reflects the formation and evolution of the political community, the most original aspect of ancient Greece. Important centres outside Greece are discussed, including Agrigento and Segesta in Sicily. The final section documents the Hellenic phase, with its unparalleled innovations and its influence on the greater Mediterranean. ... Read more

Product Description
For the first time, instructors of medieval architecture have a selective survey that eliminates the need to piece together teaching material from several sources.Medieval Architecture in Western Europe: From A.D. 300 to 1500 presents a selection of major monuments of medieval European architecture in a single volume.

Beginning with a study ofstructural antecedents found in late Roman architecture, the author examines early Christian borrowings and transformations and representative types of Byzantine buildings. Subsequent chapters cover the development of the monastic complex, traditional forms of northern timber construction, and the contributions of the Carolingian and Ottonian empires.Spanish structures from the seventh century through the tenth century set the stage for the development of the Romanesque style, examined in its various regional manifestations.After identifying the structural sources of Gothic architecture, the author presents the evolving regional Gothic styles, late Gothic elaborations and innovations, and representative types of secular architecture.The text concludes with an informative chapter on medieval building practices and the tradition of the master mason.

Medieval Architecture in Western Europe: From A.D. 300 to 1500 is thoroughly illustrated with plans, sections, diagrams, and photographs, and also includes an IBM-compatible CD-ROM, featuring over 860 supplementary views and details of the buildings discussed, all in color. Filling the gap between general surveys of architectural history and specialized works on specific periods and regions, this book is ideal for introductory courses in medieval architecture but will also appeal to any reader with an interest in the European Middle Ages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The most complete book of its kind
As a student in Professor Calkin's Medieval Architecture course at Cornell, I have found this book to be an invaluable resource. Professor Calkins has intimate knowledge of all of the buildings described, and themajority of the photos presented are his own.The book takes you frompre-Christian Rome, to the Pyrenees in Catalunya, and through the Frenchcountryside as you explore every corner and hidden space of the great andlesser-known churches of Western Europe. A must for anyone who lovesarchitecture, student or not. ... Read more

Product Description
"The World's Greatest Architecture" offers a panoramic view of nearly 300 individual buildings, each recognized as great buildings, from the earliest times to the present, and from every culture, including those, the majority of non-western cultures, where the division between art and craft are less likely to be distinguished. Focusing mainly on large, spectacular or monumental buildings - cathedrals and skyscrapers, for instance - the subjects are arranged first by geographical region and second by chronology within each chapter. Chapters are organized by periods. Learn about architecture in the ancient world, including Stonehenge, the great pyramids and Machu Piccu, the medieval world, including Windsor Castle, Notre Dame and Strasbourg Cathedral, the 20th century including Grand Central Station, Selfridge's Department Store and the Pompidou Centre and more. Whether you are a seasoned lover of architecture or relatively new to the field, D. M. Field's tome will prove a wonderful, photographic addition to your home library. This is an extensive guide to the world's greatest architectural feats spanning from the ancient world to the 20th century.It is illustrated with over 600 photographs of all sorts of structures from Stonehenge to Grand Central Station. It includes a glossary of architectural terms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

the world's greatest architecture
I purchased this book for my high school senior daughter who will pursue a degree in architecture. She borrowed this book from her art history instructor and enjoyed reading about and viewing these wonderful examples of architecture through out history and from so many interesting parts of the world that we felt it would be a good reference title. ... Read more

Product Description
In this lavishly illustrated book, one of Paris`s leading historians links the beauty of the city to its harmonious architecture, the product of a powerful tradition of classical design running from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. Anthony Sutcliffe traces the main features of the development of Parisian building and architecture since Roman times, explaining the interaction of continuity and innovation and relating it to issues of power, the social structure, the property market, fashion, and the creativity of its architects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Fascinating!
This book presents a fascinating historical survey of Parisian architecture over the centuries.

The author clearly loves Paris and demonstrates without any pomposity how well he knows it.

He does not shy from giving his opinion which spices up the book and prevents it from being academic or strictly descriptive.

One should be aware however that the city's history or that of its urban development are not really expounded here and thus that a certain level of previous knowledge is required to fully appreciate the book.

By the same token, this is by no means a travel guide but rather a work that will allow Paris connoisseurs to further their understanding of the city's architecture and its evolution.

A comrehensive guide to Paris architecture
This slim guide is one of the most comprehensive guides to Paris architectural style over its history.Though the guide is very good,it omits alot but is still a really great resource to walk you through the centuries of building in the city.If you love architecture or Paris or both you will enjoy this book which is chock full of color photos, lithographs, old maps and desriptions of styles, movements and the history behind these.If you are a student or a tourist this is a fun guide.

Paris: An Architectural History
the book will serve to be very beneficial to my daughter which is studying architecture in Paris.

PARIS
First of all let me state that one star for this book is absolutely ridiculous, I must confess, I dont hold a PH.D in Parisian architecture, but i do know a thing or two about Paris, and this book is excellent, there are images and information about the architecture of Paris, that I had not seen before. I love Paris, and have always been fascinated with the architecture and Hausemans layout of Paris.If you have any interest in the architectural history of Paris, then really I cannot imagine you not having some appreciation of this book, maybe when your in Paris you can run by the afore mentioned reviewers copy he left out of disgust and save yourself some money.Highly recommended.

How to take the fun out of Paris
I took this book with me on a month-long architecture study trip to Paris this summer.I started reading it before the trip, and found it very dry and badly written (I have a B.A. in History, so I've read my share of dry texts!).I hoped that being in Paris would enliven the book.That didn't happen; Paris itself only highlighted the deficiencies in the book, the most glaring of which being the complete omission of the city's pre-Roman, Roman, and early Middle Ages history.(Saint-Chapelle is not in there at all!)In lieu of this, Sutcliffe spends an inordinate amount of documenting the development of the distinctive hotel-style residences in the city.There are the obligatory bits on Haussman and the Pompidou Center, but both - particularly the latter - are so opinionated that it made me question the credibility of the entire book.At the end of the trip, I left my copy behind in my dorm room.Au revoir!

Unfortunately, I haven't found a good Paris architectural history to recommend instead of this one. If you're in the city and want a good, well-illustrated book on the development of early city (pre-Roman through the Middle Ages), pick up the exhibition catalogue at the archeological museum under the plaza in front of Notre-Dame. ... Read more

Product Description
This thoroughly illustrated classic study traces the history of the world-famous Chicago school of architecture from its beginnings with the functional innovations of William Le Baron Jenney and others to their imaginative development by Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. The Chicago School of Architecture places the Chicago school in its historical setting, showing it at once to be the culmination of an iron and concrete construction and the chief pioneer in the evolution of modern architecture. It also assessesthe achievements of the school in terms of the economic, social, and cultural growth of Chicago at the turn of the century, and it shows the ultimate meaning of the Chicago work for contemporary architecture.

"A major contribution [by] one of the world's master-historians of building technique."--Reyner Banham, Arts Magazine

"A rich, organized record of the distinguished architecture with which Chicago lives and influences the world."--Ruth Moore, Chicago Sun-Times ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

the classic work on Chicago's "school" of architecture
This is Condit's most significant contribution to the history of architecture-- a must-read for anyone interested in Chicago, its architecture, and the broader themes of American vernacular inventiveness in design and engineering.Condit is not forgiving of the reader-- prepare to learn more than you might have planned about caissons, load-bearing structural systems, windows, etc.-- but on the other hand there's little or no sense of being instructed in "good taste" here, either.Condit makes a plain-speaking argument and provides the information to support it.Those who wish to delve deeper will want to look to Condit's two-volume study of architecture in Chicago, long out of print but still available used.There his strong-willed personality appears more forcefully and so does his penchant for the technical;one leaves the work with a richer vocabulary, a sharper eye, and perhaps a sharper tongue, as well. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A pictorial "Ferrari" of history of architecture books
A part of the series History of World Architecture originally published by Electa in Italian in 1971-7 under a general editorship of Pier Luigi Nervi, it was translated to English and published by Abrams in 1971-80 in b&w only, but at 10 x 11 1/4 inches. Subsequently, the series was reedited, shrunk to 8 5/8 x 9 1/2 inches, and published by Electa / Rizzoli in 1985-9 with a few color photos added including each front cover. In the early 2000's, the series was reissued by Phaidon unchanged except for the front cover photo. It is a pictorial "Ferrari" of history of architecture books. Almost every page contains one or - usually - more than one illustration as photo, plan, section, elevation, axonometric view, etc. of the highest quality. They depict the best examples of topical architecture covering the most significant ones. The text was written by one of the best experts in the field. While relatively concise, it still is comprehensive and complete enough even for students of architecture. ... Read more

Product Description
Nine centuries ago, when the dynamic energy of the Benedictine order was threatening to ossify into mere grandeur and formalism, the Cistercians returned to the original "holy rules" of Benedict of Nursia and working with their hands.The stone witnesses of this era include majestic monastic buildings with austere dignity and sublime absence of decoration.This volume presents masterpieces of Cistercian architecture in Europe. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

My Favorite Tour Guide
This is an excellent coffee-table book, with outstanding photography of beautiful places. It is also an excellent architectural introduction and a fine review of the role of the Cistercians in European history. (Hint: it was major...) But I have another suggestion for enjoying your next visit to Europe. Schedule your travel with stops near each of the abbeys that intrigue you most. They are always serene, there are often musical events in them, they tend to be off the beaten track but to have excellent country restaurants in some nearby village, and they make good starting points for hiking since they are usually isolated. My favorites are Poblet in Spain, Senaque in France, and Maulbronn in Germany.

Very Satisfying
Like many of the books in Konemann's architectural series, this one offers copious quantities of beautiful photographs.The limited text is informative, intelligent and thankfully devoid of the quasi-theoretical nonsense that spoils so many architectural books.The critical architectural issues are explained but for the most part, the images are allowed to tell the story.Simplified, but effective plans and other diagrams complement the photos and text.

In an age when so-called "star" architects do more talking than building, it is refreshing to see these monasteries, built with humility and a sense of aesthetic understanding that is so absent in the architectural profession today.

I also recommend Lucien Herve's wonderful B+W photographs in "The Architecture of Truth: Thonet Abbey"

This book is really great
Well, I just received CISTERCIAN ABBEYS and I CAN TELL YOU - THIS IS MYSORT OF BOOK!Un-put-down-able.This thick glossy book has it all - everypage has at least one picture or map. The pictures shown are clear and welltaken. Depicted are the interior of the monastries, the turrets, thebrickwork, the decorations, glorious photos of relics, the courtyards, theart. The text is well written, easy to understand & contains usefulinformation. Another fine book by Konemann & I have many includingBAROQUE, ROMANESQUE, ROME, CASTLES OF FRIULI, MEDIEVAL CASTLES OF SPAIN,CHATEAUX OF THE LOIRE VALLEY. Cannot be faulted and for a 399page h/boundvolume inexpensive. A must. I change my travel plans every time I pick upany of my Konemann's. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an English-language study on the architecture and art of medieval France of the Romanesque and Gothic periods, approximately 1000 - 1500. In addition to essays on individual monuments there are general discussions of given periods and specific problems such as: why did Gothic come into being? Whitney Stoddard explores the interrelationship between all forms of medieval ecclesiastical art and characterization of the Gothic cathedral, which he believes to have an almost metaphysical basis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Readable but hopelessly outdated
Stoddard's text, culled mainly from early to mid-20th century monographs, is a highly readable and well-illustrated account of some of the major Gothic edifices of France but it should be treated with caution. Most of the scholarship is hopelessly out of date (and much of it already was when he wrote it) and he is too uncritical of the grand theorising of Simson & Panofsky et al. If it is to be used, it should be read in conjunction with Paul Crossley's footnotes to Frankl. I teach French Gothic architecture at undergraduate level and I always advise my students to steer clear of Stoddard. Suitable for a keen amateur but not for art history majors.

Comprehensive and Well Written Text
Stoddard's book, written in the very early 1970's, remains a highly informative and generally comprehensive introduction to French Gothic architecture. In spite of its age, it can be easily recommended to any person with a more than passing interest in the subject due to its extensive detail and coverage. At nearly 400 pages in relatively small print, this book may take some time and effort to complete, but it is simply one of the best single-volume treatments of the topic in print today. As implied by the title, the book does not focus solely on architectural forms, but also includes extensive descriptions of the art forms (sculptures, stained glass, manuscripts, and other church art forms), and so each historical section finds individual treatment of cathedral and church designs throughout the gothic period as well as the art forms that adorned these structures. The book is thoroughly illustrated with over 400 black-and-white photos and drawings.

The book is divided into periods by chronological order: Romanesque France, Early Gothic of the 12th Century, High Gothic of the Early 13th Century, From Rayonnant to Flamboyant, and a final section on The Treasuries of Monasteries and Cathedrals.Each section starts with a historical background piece and a map listing the primary sites to be discussed before the main content of the text is presented, giving a good foundation to place that content into the proper historical and geographical context. Once establishing the forms (and shortcomings) of Romanesque architectural design, we are chronologically introduced to the aims and goals of the emerging Gothic style, and this lofty style begins to make sense to us, not only as a stylistic form, but a series of specific reactions to "deficiencies" in the Romanesque form. In fact, one of the strengths of Stoddard's approach is that the reader moves through this entire period in relatively strict chronological form, and it is not all that difficult of a task to visualize the chronology of the specific Gothic construction projects as they are undertaken across the Ile-de-France from the 12th through the 13th centuries. Supplemental drawings highlight specific architectural designs, and numerous floor plans help the reader visualize the similarities and differences between specific buildings.

Art and Architecture in Medieval France is not only highly detailed, it is immensely enjoyable to read. If there are any shortcomings in the book at all, it is that the text is somewhat small, and one finds that "reach" to the reading glasses occurring on a regular basis. It would also have been nice to find this text with color photos on glossy paper. But to be honest, such a change would significantly increase the price of the volume, and the true value in this text lies not in the photos (which are good enough to visualize the discussion) but in Stoddard's research and written presentation, which is solid, informative, and often thought-provoking. If you are looking for a single-volume introduction to Gothic art and architecture, and have more than a passing interest in doing so, this book remains one of the best choices you could make to do so. Supplement it with any of the lavishly illustrated full-color photo coffee table books to get a better sense of the visual format of these buildings and art forms, and better yet, use it as research for making your own visits to the Gothic cathedrals of northern and central France.

Best Book on the French Gothic Church
I've now slogged through four books on Middle Age church architecture and this one is by far the best. The book is written clearly and not unnecessarily burdened with "professor-speak." At the same time, it provided more information, and more interesting information, than the other three books combined.

A couple of cautions: the book focuses on Gothic architecture; Romanesque architecture is discussed more as an introduction to Gothic architecture. And it doesn't have a glossary, which is a downside for readers not familiar with architectural terms.

Informative and useful:still valid though published 1972
I have used _Monastery and Cathedral_ as a teaching text and as a guidebook.It's worth lugging through France, even by train: photos are b/w but well chosen & informative, and follow the text well.Stoddardgives good contextual background and is clear in his description andexplication of the most important medieval churches in France. Could domore with sculpture and symbolism: the main focus is architecture. But hissection on treasures, manuscripts & stained glass is a good start. I'mabout to use it as a text for an on-site summer course:it's a tried andtrue old friend.

Sets the Standard
Professor Stoddard's opus Art and Architecture in Medieval France : Medieval Architecture, Sculpture, Stained Glass, Manuscripts, the Art of the Church Treasuries is still a viable and valuable work to study for anystudent of the Gothic era. The information provided allowed me tounderstand the cathedrals of France clearly and was an indispensible aidwhen I was lucky enough to visit several of the cathedrals addressed. While not a "light" read, Dr. Stoddard is the standard for theera. I envy any student of his, those lucky gargoyles!!! ... Read more