The Classical Language of Architecture

This text is outstanding: this author says in relatively few words, what others fail to convey in many more words: namely, what Classical Architecture is, why it is important, and how it evolved through the Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classical and Modern ages. In fact, I have noticed that some of these other authors quote this book as the real authority.In architecture, visualization is everything, so it is unfortunate that the photographs are quite small, and rather blurry, at least in the paperback and Kindle editions. Nevertheless I highly recommend reading this book, and re-reading it. (It is blessedly short, but says all that should be said.)

This small book gives by far the best, clearest, and most easy to understand analysis of how classical architecture was adapted to and grew through the Renaissance, that I've ever seen. It ought to be taught in every architecture school.

good

good

Although the case for classical architecture is not as simplified as Mr. Summerson makes it seem in this book, it is a wonderful introduction to this world of art. His prose is lucid and fulfills the artistic need to see associations across various works while also going deeper into a few main issues. For the price, this book cannot be beat. Highly recommended.

Worth it.

Cheaply produced. Very muddy photographs that don't clearly show the details. There's a glossary included, but without any illustrations. Not useful.

I don't recall a "preview" being an option prior to selection/purchasing. Book is ancient history of classic orders of Architecture (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders). My bad. Thought that, as pictured on the front cover, the book was more diagrammatic/pictoral in nature relating to molding details, not classical/ancient pediments and friezes. Well written Ancient History of the Classic Orders though.

I found this the most helpful architecture book of all, admittedly coming from a standing start as a general reader rather than a student. It assumes no knowledge and is very well written and set out. Summerson had a great gift for explaining difficult things in plain English. You will get more out of walking down most city streets after reading this book because it will help make sense of many buildings, ancient and modern. I can't recommend it highly enough if you take any interest in architecture.

Wonderful little book and as sophisticated as a British educational book can be!Of course the book could use some extra pictures, as now the reader must flip the pages quite a lot to be able to follow the text, which describes quite small details in the architectural language of the buildings. But it is a trade off, that one can do for the compactness of the book.The book delivered what it promises: it opens up a superbly the world of Classical Architecture in all it minute glory.

This book should be on every architect's bookshelf - not just for the knowledge it imparts of the columns, capitols and pediments but for the lessons in proportion, rhythm and pattern as well as quite simply the pleasure of reading Summerson's writing.

This book does explain the foundations of Classical Architecture. I did find it quite chatty but that meant that it did jump around a bit, sometimes making it hard to follow. The plethora of images meant that you also have to flip a lot as well. There is a glossary that helps you to understand some of the jargon. If you persevere through all teh flipping of pages it is abundant with key information.

quick delivery and nice book