Greek Architecture

The Yale University Press Pelican History of Art Series

by A.W. Lawrence, R. A. Tomlinson (Editor)

This volume describes architecture in the Greek land from the prehistoric settlements of Troy, the Minoan palaces of Crete and their counterparts in the Mycenean kingdoms, to the absorption of Hellenism into the Roman Empire. The book pays particular attention to the early period, supplying a large-scale account of the development of pre-Hellenic building. Then the evolution of temples and other religious buildings is traced. Two chapters follow the history of town planning and civic building, while others cover the development of the theatre and such topics as Greek masonry, vaulting and fortification.

Genres: Architecture, History, Art, Nonfiction, Greece, Art History, Classics

372 pages, Hardcover

First published December 30, 1957

Reviews

[Illiterate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lawrence offers a great survey of styles & techniques. He spends less time relating them to social & cultural history.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you only read one book on Greek architecture, read this one. (Be sure to get the recent edition updated by R.A. Tomlinson.) Unlike predecessors such as Dinsmoor, Lawrence sets out to build an argument rather than create a catalog of Greek buildings and their details.

[Ang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: The development of Greek Architecture in the Aegean and other Greek lands from its earliest beginnings around 3000 until the first century BC is the subject of this splendid volume. The evolution of the magnificent temples of the Hellenic age is considered with reference to their function, geometry and proportions. Lawrence also considers Greek domestic architecture, town planning, theatres and fortifications and also the materials and methods with which all these buildings were accomplished. Always a challenging subject to survey because of the ruinous state of the architecture being discussed, Lawrence explores his field with authority and an independence of judgement. Now reissued with a stunning array of colour illustrations, many photographed specially for this edition, and Professor Tomlinson's pertinent revisions, it is guaranteed that Lawrence's classic text will continue to enthrall and inform.

[Isaiah Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit dense, but accompanied liberally with quality illustrations which are a great help.