Georgian Architecture In The British Isles 1714-1830

Product Description

First published in 1993 this is a fully revised & newly illustrated guide to the architecture of the British Isles during the reigns of the first four Georges (1714-1830). The term Georgian suggests a dignified often symmetrical facade of brick with elegant sash-windows a doorcase (usually with a fanlight) & a well-mannered & reticent appearance. The book shows the remarkable diversity of the architecture created during the era from the grander Classicism influenced by the architecture of Italy notably that of Andrea Palladio (1508-80) to the exotic tastes for Chinoiserie Rococo Gothick & even the Indian styles. All of these aspects are discussed setting the scene in respect of notions concerned with the aesthetic categories of the Beautiful the Picturesque & the Sublime & drawing attention especially to the importance of the Picturesque during the Georgian period. This handsome book is a celebration of the main themes found in building-design of the time & an examination of the stylistic choices of the age: Palladianism the search for uncorrupted Classical sources through the study of Antiquity the various revivals of Roman Greek & Egyptian styles the taste for the exotic & for Orientalism & the growing interest in medieval architecture monastic remains & ruins which played such an important part in the Gothic Revival. Comprehensively illustrated with many images in colour & supported by an extensive bibliography this clear & concise text should enable all those interested in the Georgian period to look at the surviving architecture with informed & discerning eyes. Publication Date: December 2011 Hardback 452pp 465 illustrations