Letters of an Architect from France, Italy and Greece

Suitable for a general readership, this two-volume work of 1828, illustrated by the author, critically assesses ancient and modern European architecture.

Joseph Woods (Author)

9781108069410, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 January 2014

508 pages, 36 b/w illus.
25.4 x 17.8 x 2.6 cm, 0.87 kg

In 1816, architect and botanist Joseph Woods (1776–1864) embarked on a two-year journey through France, Switzerland, Italy and Greece, documenting interesting flora as well as buildings of note. This two-volume work first appeared in 1828. The account stands apart from other contemporary travelogues owing to the application of Woods' architectural insight. By critically assessing ancient and modern buildings for strengths and defects, Woods hoped to inform fellow architects as to how they might produce beautiful buildings through the study of different modes of construction and decoration. Accordingly, the text is accompanied by Woods' drawings of important buildings and architectural features. In Volume 1, he charts his year-long journey through France and Switzerland to Rome, including discussion of the notable ecclesiastical edifices of Notre Dame and the Vatican.

Preface
1. Journey to Paris
2. General account of Paris
3. Gothic architecture
4. Gothic architecture (cont.)
5. Return to Paris
6. Edifices of Paris
7. Paris
8. Journey to Lyon
9. Lyon
10. South of France
11. South of France (cont.)
12. South of France (cont.)
13. Geneva
14. Tour in Switzerland
15. Milan
16. Verona
17. Vicenza, Padua
18. Venice
19. Venice (cont.)
20. Bologna
21. Florence
22. Journey to Rome
23. Roman antiquities
24. Roman antiquities (cont.)
25. St Peter's
26. Basilican churches
27. Living at Rome
28. Rome
29. Palaces of Rome
30. Rome.

Subject Areas: Architecture [AM]