The Four Books of Architecture (Volume 1) (Dover Architecture)

Very good book the images were clear it is wrote in an old English where some of the ‘S’’s look like an ‘f’ but if you learn this trick it’s not hard to read through. Very detailed images on architecture. Was sad at the end when Andrea Palladio says ‘I hope to soon finish my next book on amphitheaters, God willing..’ and then it stops. Would have been an incredible book to behold. The print is nice pages are firm not too flimsy. The ‘leather bound’ however does only mean the corners which is a little bit of a downside in my opinion if im sick of everything being fake and trying to replace it with things that are real. I would have paid extra for a fully leather cover if it were optional. Very good book nonetheless. To anybody studying architecture it is a ‘cornerstone’ or hallmark or pillar of architecture. Standing tall and resilient on its own if you’ve read Vitruvius. He basically took all of the most beautiful temples and compiled them into one book and categorized them, he also has a bunch of his own houses that he designed which are immaculate and will blow your mind. Great glimpse into mind of either a genius of very hard working man. When I looked at the houses he designed it’s better than anything you will see in many hours of driving, it’s NOT like all the other houses, cheap popsicle stick framing as they are. This is a great book if you want to build a solid, and beautiful building. It’s time to get back to our roots! Build on, hammers swinging!

This book is a MUST for every interested mind to understanding the basics and logic to why construction and design is, what it is! Today construction throws logic out the door and is based off of money ... short term return. This book along with Vitruvius's book, Ten Books on Architecture, will be the corner stone of a new chapter in construction and design. Designers, Builders and politicians (who should not be in the mix of decision makers) all talk the talk of "Green", proving to be a farce in many ways. Simple concepts explained and set in these two books prove more "Green" than anything brought up today in this world based off of fade and fashion. Just make it simple, get these two books into your reading schedule and learn what was forgotten. The thought process becomes clear once taken the time to just sit down and READ!!! Michael in Charlotte, NC (previously of FL, previously of NV, previously of CA, previously of DC, previously of PA)

neat writing style(f for s)

This book belongs in all of the architecture libraries of the world. It is a book that is a classic, a "must have" for all the professionals in the field. It requires a bit of concentration to read, because it is written in an "old fashioned" way, where some of the letters look a bit odd for the modern eyes ( the letters "s" in a lot of the words look like an "f", which reminds you of the german "ß"). But other than that, I think it is a wonderful book, carefully illustrated. I gave one as a gift for an architect friend, and he has been enjoying it a lot.

Very important basic book!

This book was larger than I thought. The information and imaging were well laid out and easy to see, but the only drawback is I have not gotten to read it yet! I am thrilled to have gotten my hands on this influence of architecture!

Excellent book of classical temples and structures. Way too over the top for building for today, unless you are building a backyard temple or mediterranean villa but great inspiration if you are looking to incorporate a few classical design elements into a project. I will be using some of the moulding profiles and patterns for some carving templates. The large number of line drawings are clean and concise with lots of detail.

Thank you so much

carta bellissima un po' grossa e ruvida , stampa perfetta , traduzione in linea con italiano antico , un libro da avere per appassionati , peccato che non sia con copertina rigida .

Item was as expected and arrived quickly and in good condition. Famous set of books wrapped into one. Not the easiest read, it is an old work, but still a great read, thanks!

This 1738 exact translation by Isaac Ware of Palladio's 'The Four Books of Architecture' is excellently reproduced with all Palladio's fine engravings accurately shown. The text is full of interest too but it is the drawings which are invaluable. I purchased it to solve the puzzle that the actual town houses in Vicenza do not seem to be the same as Palladio's drawings. This is indeed the case as the book turns out to be an idealisation of his architectural ideas - and no less valuable for this though my interest is in the difference between abstract ideals and reality.

My local library went into a tail spin when I requested sight of their (precious and rare edition) copy. Had to make an appointment a few days ahead; thought I was going to have to produce passport and blood group details! Delighted to find this facsimilie edition, which provided everything I need - with a lot less trouble!

Fantastic book!