A History of Western Architecture / Edition 6

by David Watkin

Overview

In this highly acclaimed reference work David Watkin traces the history of western architecture from the earliest times in Mesopotamia and Egypt to the eclectic styles of the twenty-first century. The author emphasizes the ongoing vitality of the Classical language of architecture, underlining the continuity between, say, the work of Ictinus in fifth-century BC Athens and that of McKim, Mead and White in twentieth-century New York. Authoritative, comprehensive and highly illustrated, this sixth edition has been expanded to bring the story of western architecture right up to date and includes a separate final chapter on twenty-first century developments, including the role of computers in architecture, sustainability, humanitarian architecture, and very tall buildings.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780675978
Publisher:	Laurence King Publishing
Publication date:	06/30/2015
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	736
Product dimensions:	7.60(w) x 9.40(h) x 1.60(d)

About the Author

David Watkin is Emeritus Professor of the History of Architecture at the University of Cambridge and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects. His many books include Sir John Soane: Enlightenment Thought and the Royal Academy Lectures (1996), Morality and Architecture Revisited (2001) and The Roman Forum (2009).

Editorial Reviews

Watkin's (architecture history, U. of Cambridge, England) third edition contains new material on the architecture of Egypt and Mesopotamia, as well as architecture's most recent trends. One wishes for more frequent ground plans and sections as well as greater detail on the eras before the Renaissance; Watkin's writing, and examples are most expansive for the periods of the Renaissance, Baroque, and nineteenth century. Despite these reservations, the text remains a readable, solidly argued, and copiously illustrated introductory survey text useful for the undergraduate classroom. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

Some 7000 years of architectural history and highlights are summarized in this classic survey, which serves equally well as a reference work and a college textbook for introductory architectural history courses. The current edition, updated from 2000, includes new material and illustrations on ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia and touches on early 21st-century flagship buildings and globalization. Watkin (history of architecture, Univ. of Cambridge) captures with a fine economy architecture's successive revivals and historical legacies. Given the book's scope, coverage is mostly confined to acknowledged masterpieces and trendsetters. While classics such as the Parthenon (three pages) and Chartres Cathedral (two pages) receive the most attention, only 25 buildings in New York and 15 in Chicago are mentioned, often in passing. Almost 1000 photographs (50 full-page, color) illustrate buildings, interiors, and styles. A glossary, a (somewhat dated) chapter-by-chapter "for further reading" list, and a detailed index conclude the work. In anticipation of reference consultation, libraries may elect to bind this sturdy paperback. VERDICT Popular since it was first published in 1986, this title can be appreciated by a second generation of readers for Watkin's erudition, big-picture overviews, and explanations of historical context and continuity.—Russell T. Clement, Northwestern Univ. Lib., Evanston, IL

Library Journal