The Four Elements of Architecture and Other Writings (Res Monographs in Anthropology and Aesthetics)

An essential title in any architecture historian's bookshelf, a book that will be pertinent for those interested in the theory, criticism and history of ornament, and a primer on the thought and insights of Gottfried Semper, one of the sharpest cultural and architectural critics and theoreticians of the nineteenth century. Especially insightful are his essays on the four elements of architecture —which still stir heated debate on the origins of architecture and ornament—, and his innovative essay on the polychromy of ancient and classical Greek architecture and monuments, especially attentive of the Athenian acropolis. A terse and detailed prose with splendid descriptions of his findings goes hand in hand with carefully elaborated arguments and examples to sustain his theories. Semper's work has the stature and impact of that of John Ruskin and Violet-le-Duc, but he had the opportunity to do fieldwork on ancient sites on which to sustain his views. A collection of groundbreaking essays not to be missed by architecture practitioners and scholars. Mallgrave's translation from the German original is exceptionally careful, and Rykwert's introduction is an excellent frame from which to get acquainted with Semper's work. I suggest the reader to try also Semper's most important work, Style in the Technical and Tectonic Arts; or Practical Aesthetics, also translated by Mallgrave.

As described, the Publication Date should be: February 17, 2011.Weirdly enough I ordered the book on September 13, 2013 and in the last page of the book it says it was printed on September 14, 2013. (one day after y ordered it)The printing was terrible. It simply looks as if someone just scanned an original book and printed this one.This kind of experience make you think that maybe it is better to spend a bit more and buy a book in a place where you can actually see what you are buying.

very good，thanks！