the ten books of architecture by vitruvius

Later, during the Middle Ages, the set of books was transcribed and maintained in the libraries of monasteries and learned individuals, and towards the end of the fifteenth century, Latin editions were popularized. The extent to which the De architectura libri decem was referenced during - and beyond - Vitruvius’ lifetime remains unclear Pliny, Cetius Faventinus, Servius and Sidonius Apollinaris recalled the early architectural writings in their own treatises. As the first comprehensive English-language translation of the Ten Books on Architecture in over sixty years, it is a welcome addition to the body of work related to Vitruvius - a body of work that reaches back to soon after the treatise was completed. Whether these goals are achieved or not is perhaps debatable, but the drawings do add to the reading of the text. Dewar - are extensive, having as their objective “to investigate the possibility of a consistent design approach” and “to illustrate the relation of this approach to the broad principles of liberal knowledge” (xv). The illustrations and Commentary by Thomas Noble Howe (TNH) - with IDR and Michael J. The new book’s words are unambiguous and thus readily accessible. An interpretation that renders clearly the often confusing notions contained within the ancient text, all-the-while contextualizing and reconciling the latter within current theoretical frameworks and with archaeological advances in mind has long been overdue. Rowland (IDR) has done a tremendous service to all those interested in classical architecture.

The value of the De architectura libri decem and its subsequent translations cannot be overemphasized.Īs twentieth century translator of Vitruvius’ treatise Ingrid D.

Architectural principles are elucidated at specific junctures, and Vitruvius’ own view of what the profession should be comes across throughout the text. Topics range widely, from architectural education, city planning and the development of humanity in the first book, to temple design and building typology, climate effects and acoustics, aqueducts and waterworks, astronomy and dials, and in the final book, defense apparatus and other machinae. The De architectura libri decem outlines Roman architecture - or what it should have been according to its author - at a time when its impact on future building ideals was paramount. Regardless of the errata, Vitruvius remains destined to perpetual memory and the present rendition of his work is proof of that. These errors, however, are part of what makes the work so valuable they offer a glimpse into the mind of a classical architect. Whether he achieved this goal is certainly debatable: errors in geography, history, logic and technique continue to be highlighted. Writing his architectural treatise during the later part of the first century BCE, one of the ambitions of Vitruvius, retiring architectus, was undoubtedly to be recalled as an erudite and architectural authority.

The ten books of architecture by vitruvius