A consortium of British architects and their patrons rebelled against the early eighteenth centurys Baroque excesses and turned instead toward the Renaissance works of Andrea Palladio for inspiration. These Neo-Palladians guided the course of British architecture toward classical principles; and the Vitruvius Britannicus (British Vitruvius) reflects their vision. A sumptuous collection of magnificent copperplate engravings; it depicts great English country houses and public buildings.Published between 1715 and 1725 in a three-folio set; the Vitruvius Britannicus documents in meticulous detail many of the buildings from the previous two centuries. Its 300 illustrations include facades; ground plans; exterior elevations; and perspective views. Featured buildings include those designed by Inigo Jones; the seventeenth-century architect who introduced Palladianism to England; the work of Sir John Vanbrugh; whose innovative Classical-Revival architecture retained a Baroque flair; and contemporary designs; including those of the author; Scottish architect Colen Campbell.The popularity of this volume fostered the development of the Neo-Palladian movement; and Vitruvius Britannicus continues to influence architects and designers. Handsome and modestly priced; this new edition is an essential complement to any design library.
#1684688 in eBooks 2013-05-17 2013-05-17File Name: B00A3YEL6W
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A GemBy John SparksAs a general rule; I cant say I care for memoirs. They are the least dependable of all historical writings in terms of chronology and objectivity--and yet; theyre often vitally important historical records if for no other reason simply as the representation of an individuals own "take" on what he or she experienced. And with the help of some friends; tape recorders; and editors; "Uncle Josh" Graves created a gem of a memoir. I could wish perhaps that the legendary dobroists interviewers had prompted him more about specifics in an effort to gete him to explain himself further and more clearly at various points; but as it is; this book is perhaps the best "insiders" history of Lester Flatt; Earl Scruggs; and the Foggy Mountain Boys that we are likely to see. For what its worth; the aspects of the narrative that touched me the most personally were Graves recollections of how incredibly petty and tightfisted that both Lester Flatt and Bill Monroe could be (he characterizes Earl Scruggs; heartwarmingly; as a fairer; and scrupulously honest; man). Uncle Josh even recalled a time; after Lester Flatt had fired him for getting too much studio work in addition to his band duties; that he had to threaten Flatt with a lawsuit for telling an audience that he (Graves) had died. (And karma proved to be a lulu; too; though Graves does not mention this particular followup incident; Flatt had to make exactly the same threat to Esquire Magazine; for referring to him in a 1974 article as "the late Lester Flatt.") But there is perhaps something to be said for Monroes and Flatts quirks: their bitternesses; pettinesses; and miserliness actually; I think; reveal their rural roots all the more. Raised up from "the hardest" to a position of fame and importance...strangely enough; back in the days when I was a preacher I saw more older ministers with exactly this same mindset; than I even care to remember; and it was as much a part of them as breathing. Uncle Josh Graves left behind a fine memoir; and it evoked for me some bittersweet memories.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Josh at this bestBy J. WilliamsThis narrative; distilled from intervews and tapes is entertaining and also captures the beginning of modern blue grass as it emerged from the traditional tunes from the mountains. If you are a fan then this gem is full of quips and stories from Josh Graves who crossed paths with every major performer of this day including Lightning Hopkins. I really enjoyed it for the information and for the style.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. THE BLUEGRASS DOBRO BOOK OF BEGINNINGSBy Robin ClaytonLOVE FLATT AND SCRUGGS? HERES THE STORY OF THE MAN WHO SET THEM APART IN THE BLUEGRASS WORLD.NO DOBRO IN BLUEGRASS UNTIL JOSH GRAVES WROTE THE BOOK.