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The Classical Language of Architecture Paperback – December 15, 1966

by John Summerson (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 105 ratings
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The author's purpose is to set out as simply and vividly as possible the exact grammatical workings of an architectural language.

Classical architecture is a visual "language" and like any other language has its own grammatical rules. Classical buildings as widely spaced in time as a Roman temple, an Italian Renaissance palace and a Regency house all show an awareness of these rules even if they vary them, break them or poetically contradict them. Sir Christopher Wren described them as the "Latin" of architecture and the analogy is almost exact. There is the difference, however, that whereas the learning of Latin is a slow and difficult business, the language of classical architecture is relatively simple. It is still, to a great extent, the mode of expression of our urban surroundings, since classical architecture was the common language of the western world till comparatively recent times. Anybody to whom architecture makes a strong appeal has probably already discovered something of its grammar for himself.

In this book, the author's purpose is to set out as simply and vividly as possible the exact grammatical workings of this architectural language. He is less concerned with its development in Greece and Rome than with its expansion and use in the centuries since the Renaissance. He explains the vigorous discipline of "the orders" and the scope of "rustication"; the dramatic deviations of the Baroque and, in the last chapter, the relationship between the classical tradition and the "modern" architecture of today. The book is intended for anybody who cares for architecture but more specifically for students beginning a course in the history of architecture, to whom a guide to the classical rules will be an essential companion.

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  1. Print length
    80 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    The MIT Press
  4. Publication date
    December 15, 1966
  5. Dimensions
    8.88 x 0.24 x 7.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0262690128
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0262690126
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The MIT Press; 1st edition (December 15, 1966)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 80 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0262690128
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0262690126
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.88 x 0.24 x 7.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 105 ratings

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  1. John Summerson

    John Summerson

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  2. John Newenham Summerson

    John Newenham Summerson

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
105 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Corey Strange
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent beginner's guide
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2013
Verified Purchase
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.
4 people found this helpful
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Edwin L. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars A book for the ages!
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2016
Verified Purchase
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.
2 people found this helpful
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BruceP
3.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding but Fuzzy Photos
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2019
Verified Purchase
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.)
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Pal
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite architectural books
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2021
Covers 2000 years of the use of the classical mode of design in a very short book that contains deep insights into how architecture expresses ideas. Photos are small, but I supplement them by doing a google images search of each building he discusses.
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Eirik Smidesang Slaaen
4.0 out of 5 stars A good and easy undertandable book!
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2000
Being about such a vaste theme, this book easily tells the most important parts of the history of architecture. Not much jargong, and well written overall!
9 people found this helpful
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Miguel T. Delfiner
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Book
Reviewed in Germany on May 21, 2017
Verified Purchase
Its a very short, friendly and concise book, but it allows you to understand the overwhelming importance of the classic art up to the present. You will never again watch the buildings around you the way you did before and realize that they incorporate elements developed during the last 2500 years.
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Mikael Tómasson
5.0 out of 5 stars Little piece of Britain
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 12, 2015
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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.
2 people found this helpful
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gianfranco migliardi
3.0 out of 5 stars classical language of architecture ,summerson
Reviewed in Italy on November 30, 2014
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E' un testo diventato classico ma il glossario è troppo limitato. Tante foto, pochissimi disegni, e quei pochi scarsamente leggibili
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A. Newton
5.0 out of 5 stars Summerson had a great gift for explaining difficult things in plain English
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 15, 2015
Verified Purchase
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.
6 people found this helpful
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De Basi Tatiana
4.0 out of 5 stars good!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2013
Verified Purchase
the book arrived on time (i need it for an exam at university). unfortunately it was underlined which is something I really don't like. although it was written on the description of the book, I suggest Amazon to add options for the reviews of the books so the better understand what "with signs of use" means. (i think it was not seller's fault)
however, thank again to the seller for being so fast :)
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