Guide to Western Architecture

George Allen & Unwin Ltd, London, first edition, 1958. Cloth, 4to, 26 cm,. xviii, 407 pp, 279 ills, 33 plates, maps. This is a guide to the history and character of the architecture of Western Civilisation, from the 6th century B.C. to the present day. The origins of the system of architectural design that was perfected in Greece, its development under the Roman Empire, and the achievements of the Byzantine architects, are described and illustrated. Passing through Romanesque to Gothic, the contributions made by Mediaeval builders to structure and design are recorded, and then the impact of the Renaissance on architecture, and its characteristic development in the different European countries. The transplanting of Renaissance ideas to the New World is covered, and finally the origins and nature of the new Western architecture that is everywhere arising, occupy the last section of the book. The Appendix includes a list of the principal architects, and brief notes on their work, from the 5th century B.C. to the end of the Renaissance." - from the blurb. Loosely laid in is a TLS from the author to the publisher desribing this as "..the most important book that I have ever written or am ever likely to write". Very Good in a used, lightly soiled and edgeworn dustwrapper.