Synopses & Reviews
This highly acclaimed book, now available for the first time in the United States in simultaneous paperback and hardcover editions, is particularly valuable for its unique approach to architectural history: The author explores structures not as separate, neatly labeled museum pieces but as part of a vital, living continuity through the ages.
Beginning with the classical origins of Western architecture and coming right up to the new millennium, the book discusses every major milestone in the development of Western architecture in probing detail. Features of the revised edition include expanded chapters on Mesopotamian and Egyptian architecture, made possible by important recent archeological findings; and urban planning sections added throughout the book. The latter will be of special value to the growing numbers of readers who take an active interest in the relationship between a citys buildings and the community residents who live and work in them.
Synopsis
• Comprehensive overview of architecture
as an evolving continuum
• Packed with images of the greatest
triumphs of Western architecture
• Replaces ISBN 0-8230-2273-0
This highly acclaimed reference work traces the history of Western architecture from its earliest days in Mesopotamia and Egypt to the dramatic impact of computer-aided design at the beginning of this century. Looking at architectural history as a living continuum rather than a museum of neatly labeled styles, the author emphasizes the vitality of the Classical language of architecture. Twenty pages of text and twenty-five new pictures have been added to bring this new edition of an authoritative classic completely up to date.
About the Author
David Watkin teaches the history of architecture at the University of Cambridge.
He has written many books, including Sir John Soane and Morality and Architecture Revisited. A leading authority on Classicism and its renewals in architecture, he lives
in England.