British Architectural Theory, 1540-1750 : An Anthology of Texts

Providing a stage for an astounding breadth of voices from the Bible to unpublished manuscripts and letters of architects, clients, amateurs, and political philosophers, this anthology brings to life the whole culture of architecture in a period in which architectural theory has previously been too narrowly defined. Translations that brought English builders in touch with some of the most interesting ideas circulating on the continent are intermingled with issues peculiar to Britain. Issues are highlighted as well that cast this period in a wholly new light and make discussion of its issues as important historically as they are in relationship to today's challenges of urbanism, of building, and of the professional practice of architecture. An invitation to more creative thinking and teaching and an indispensable compendium to survey texts on one of the most inventive and complex periods of British architecture.