I believe architecture must be the beginning of arts; and that the others must follow her in their time and order; and I think the prosperity of our schools of painting and sculpture; in which no one will deny the life; though many the health; depends upon that of our architecture. mdash; John Ruskin.In August of 1848; John Ruskin and his new bride visited northern France; for the gifted young critic wished to write a work that would examine the essence of Gothic architecture. By the following April; the book was finished. Titled The Seven Lamps of Architecture; it was far more than a treatise on the Gothic style; instead; it elaborated Ruskins deepest convictions of the nature and role of architecture and its aesthetics. The book was published to immediate acclaim and has since become an acknowledged classic.The "seven lamps" are Sacrifice; Truth; Power; Beauty; Life; Memory; and Obedience. In delineating the relationship of these terms to architecture; Ruskin distinguishes between architecture and mere building. Architecture is an exalting discipline that must dignify and ennoble public life. It must preserve the purity of the materials it uses; and it must serve as a source of power and renewal for the society that produces it. The author expounds these and many other ideas with exceptional passion and knowledge; expressed in a masterly prose style.Today; Ruskins timeless observations are as relevant as they were in Victorian times; making The Seven Lamps of Architecture required reading for architects; students; and other lovers of architecture; who will find in these pages a thoughtful and inspiring approach to one of mans noblest endeavors.This authoritative edition includes excellent reproductions of the 14 original plates of Ruskins superb drawings of architectural details from such structures as the Doges Palace in Venice; Giottos Campanile in Florence; and the Cathedral of Rouen.
#1918936 in eBooks 2012-03-08 2012-03-08File Name: B00A62YPQW
Review
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Save Your MoneyBy SouthernStormAs a backyard chicken keeper; urban homesteader; and chicken blogger; I thought this book would make a lovely addition to my coffee table collection; as well as a great conversation starter about various chicken breeds. While the book is filled with some truly lovely pictures of unique fowl; it mainly covers bantam breeds; and a few basics like the Barred Plymouth Rock and Cornish meat varieties. A majority of the book is black and white; often blurry photos of poultry shows; random people holding chickens at said shows; and information about championship breeding programs. While I did enjoy reading some of the dialog; laughing at the truth of chicken photography; and seeing some spectacular new breeds; I was disappointed in the rest of the books lackluster layout and banter about standards. Perhaps capturing the beauty of chickens through the eyes of poultry show contestants is what the author was aiming for; but I was sincerely hoping for more of an encyclopedia of beautiful chicken pictures; and not the caged show lifestyle in black and white. At present the book remains on my coffee table; but Ill be looking for another to replace it soon.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Cute photo series.By Celeste ThayerCute photo series! I love chickens; I had a variety of different chicken breeds growing up and am strongly considering putting a small chicken coop in my city-little front yard. In the interest of researching what chicken breeds would work in the city (and honestly; having some pretty-chicken eye candy); I ordered this book. There is some educational text by the pictures; and a brief essay in the beginning; that make this more than just a pretty show.However; the best part really is the chicken pics! There are so many crazy colors; feather textures; and comb configurations that you cant stop looking at them! There are chicken breeds in here Id never heard of; and I was in 4H as a kid - youd think Id know it all when it comes to farm animals. Definitely not a dense read; but a very; very fun one!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Love it !By l.I love this book! I have given it as a gift to several people. If you love chickens (or even kinda like chickens); youre gonna love this book! The pictures are great; and the information re: origin markings is tremendous!