Review
"...this collection provides an engaging representation of a perceptive and inventive mind at work." Paul Malo, International Journal of the Classical Tradition
"[Soo] is to be congratulated on bringing the writings of Wren back into print and in so doing helping to bring this elusive man into sharper focus." John Bold, Albion
"...invaluable..." James Fenton, New York Review of Books
Book Description
Wren's "Tracts" on Architecture and Other Writings is the first scholarly examination of the theoretical work of one of the most important architects of early modern Europe. From his study of ancient buildings, he posited a new version of the origins and development of the Classical style, thereby becoming one of the first to challenge theoretical principles of architecture that had been upheld since the Renaissance. Rejecting the idea of beauty as absolute and innate, Wren formulated an empirical definition, based on visual perception and custom.
Card catalog description
Wren's "Tracts" on Architecture and Other Writings is the first scholarly study devoted to the theoretical work of one of the most important architects of early modern Europe. Trained as an astronomer, Wren applied seventeenth-century scientific methods to his investigation of ancient, medieval, and Renaissance architecture. From his analysis of ancient buildings, he posited a new version of the origins and development of the Classical style, thereby becoming one of the first to challenge theoretical principles of architecture that had been upheld since the fifteenth century. This edition of Wren's architectural writings includes, for the first time, accurate annotated transcriptions of the texts.
Wren's 'Tracts' on Architecture and Other Writings FROM THE PUBLISHER
Wren's "Tracts" on Architecture and Other Writings is the first scholarly study devoted to the theoretical work of one of the most important architects of early modern Europe. Trained as an astronomer, Wren applied seventeenth-century scientific methods to his investigation of ancient, medieval, and Renaissance architecture. From his analysis of ancient buildings, he posited a new version of the origins and development of the Classical style, thereby becoming one of the first to challenge theoretical principles of architecture that had been upheld since the fifteenth century. This edition of Wren's architectural writings includes, for the first time, accurate annotated transcriptions of the texts.
Art & Photography
Book Info
