This book brings to light central topics that are neglected in current histories and theories of architecture and urbanism. These include the role of imitation in earlier centuries and its potential role in present practice; the necessary relationship between architecture; urbanism and the rural districts; and their counterpart in the civil order that builds and uses what is built. The narrative traces two models for the practice of architecture. One follows the ancient model in which the architect renders his service to serve the interests of others; it survives and is dominant in modernism. The other; first formulated in the fifteenth century by Leon Battista Alberti; has the architect use his talent in coordination with others to contribute to the common good of a republican civil order that seeks to protect its own liberty and that of its citizens. Palladio practiced this way; and so did Thomas Jefferson when he founded a uniquely American architecture; the counterpart to the nation’s founding. This narrative gives particular emphasis to the contrasting developments in architecture on the opposite sides of the English Channel. The book presents the value for clients and architects today and in the future of drawing on history and tradition. It stresses the importance; indeed; the urgency; of restoring traditional practices so that we can build just; beautiful; and sustainable cities and rural districts that will once again assist citizens in living not only abundantly but also well as they pursue their happiness.
#955471 in eBooks 2016-11-08 2016-11-08File Name: B01CO343JY
Review
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Good edition of a pretty dubious playBy James YanniThe Folger Library Edition. as usual. is a fine edition. The play. "Henry VIII". however. is far from one of the most interesting of Shakespeares plays; it is not terribly interesting. but it IS terribly un-historical. Clearly. it accomplished what it set out to accomplish. which was to curry favor with Queen Elizabeth I. whose birth is described at the end of the play as if it were almost Messianical. and whose father (the title character) is portrayed throughout the play in the kindest light I have ever seen him portrayed. There is no hint of the drunken glutton. only just the slightest hint of his capriciousness and womanizing. and no mention of the fact that after disowning and divorcing his first wife for Elizabeths mother. he then went on to divorce and execute her mother. and divorce one other wife and execute another. He is portrayed throughout the play as an honorable man and a good king. even if there is just a hint that his divorce of Katherine for Anne may not have been for quite as high-minded a reason as he claimed. I find this whitewashing of Henry VIII to be rather unappetizing. even if I understand perfectly the reason for it.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy tonytagits shakespear0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy T. W. AkinsExcellent book. I strongly recommend it.
