Classical Architecture: An Introduction to Its Vocabulary and Essentials, with a Select Glossary of Terms Paperback – May 17, 2003

The main purpose of this book is to define the orders of classical architecture. But it relies on photos of diagrams from texts that are several hundred years old. These are too small and grainy to see properly (detail is everything in this business), and the labels (which are crucial) are mostly in French, grossly abbreviated and mostly too small and grainy to decipher. Only once (p. 188) was one of these photos redrafted by the author and labelled legibly, but it's of a column of the simplest order in existence without a gable, base or pedestal, so it omits many components of a typical structure. The text attempts to make up for this, but it is heavy going, requiring the reader to make countless trips to the glossary, when a few good diagrams would have done the job. As an example ".. the cornice … consists of a cymatium over a corona or vertical face to a projection …". The rest of the book describes examples of the evolution of classical designs, but these are meaningless until you have figured out their definitions. The glossary is extensive, and helpful, but it has the same problem with many of the diagrams.Addition, Aug 2019: These problems are solved by having Curl's "Oxford Dictionary of Architecture" at the ready. It contains clear definitions and copious good diagrams. Get it digitally and you can quickly look up every obscure term, while keeping a paper copy of "Classical Architecture" in your hand.

For some time I have had a fascination with what we now call 'Classical Architecture', and so I was looking for an all round book to help me understand terminology, principles, orders, and perspectives. I have barely dented the pages of this book and already been overwhelmed with inspiring and well written knowledge. I will probably spend a little time flicking back from the chapter text to the glossary, but as the author expressed, the language of architecture is a huge component of understanding it.I highly recommend this book to someone like me who is just getting started.

This book is exactly what its title says it is - an introduction to Classical Architecture. Professor Curl does an admirable job of providing an overview of Classical Architecture and its components. As such, it is excellent for beginners and students. For those already familiar with Classical Architecture there are many books which go further into detail and history.

I have been a fan of Professor Curl's since I stumbled upon his work on Georgian Architecture. This book did not disappoint me. Anyone intersted in classical architecture should welcome it into their library.

Good book, lots of information. Arrived in a timely manner.

The ne plus ultra of visual references for classical design. Treats each component independently, both verbally and visually, and helps one aquire a weighted and balanced perspective on the full range of formal options.The perfect companion to Sir John Summerson's slight but powerful Classical Language.Highly recommended.

This is an excellent introduction to classical architecture, well-illustrated and includes a comprehensive glossary. Covers Greek and Roman architecture up to Neo-classicism. The monochrome photographs and drawings complement the text very well.