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or their latter day representations in the vocabulary of building). The drawings are clear, the writing direct and the principles outlined concisely stated. I whole-heartedly agree with the positive reviews this book has enjoyed in these reviews. While the principles of classical architecture are readily applicable to and easily appreciated in connection with building styles that most directly employ the classical elements, these principles nonetheless have application to most traditional forms however they may be styled, so long as attention is payed to the basis for variation in a given style (e.g., asymmetry in the case of medieval-derived styles, vs. I would note that the author received a distinguished architectural prize in the area of practical design last year. The book sets forth the reasons some buildings look "right" and others just look "wrong" based upon proportion, massing and use of elements (such as columns, entablature, arches, etc. symmetry in the more classically derived). Anyone who has wondered what gives this house "good bones" or why does this building make me feel bad will find the answers in this wonderful book.
This book offers plenty of comparative illustrations and rationale, and will make you an expert when you are done. There are plenty of five star reviews for this book but I feel so strongly about it that I'm adding another. Its purpose is not historical adherence nearly as much as providing a conduit to traditional forms that have proven desirable to the human eye over generations of trial. Half of any construction job is design and preparation, and any book that can help you do it properly is an asset that keeps on giving. I built homes on spec for over thirty years, never found a decent source book intended as such, and relied largely on looking at 'historical' homes and sixth sense. If you are contemplating a traditional project, this book will give you a lot of assistance in doing a successful one, that will provide you comfortable and happy occupancy, and top dollar upon liquidation. Get this book.
I enjoyed reading this book and it certainly increased my understanding of classical architecture. I didn't agree with everything 100% - some of the "don't do this" examples didn't look so bad to me but after finishing it I walked round the local streets I was certainly able to now understand why some of the McMansions in the area look totally wrong. I live in a city that has quite a few grand public buildings dating from the late 1800s so I think I'll appreciate them a bit more with my new knowledge. I'm unlikely to be building a "grand" house but there were some good tips about window positioning and sizing which I'll certainly be using for my more humble dwelling so I don't feel that I totally wasted my money ( which I suspected I had done when I first flicked through the pages ).
This is a very good book. I am very happy with my purchase. It was shipped on time and packaged well.
This is a good book to learn the basics of good design practices necessary to design and build a well-balanced and architecturally sound house. The books does not provide enough new ideas on how to design a house with style and elegance. Rather, it relies too much on standard architectural elements used in traditional houses and buildings.
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