Vitruvius Britannicus, The Classic of Eighteenth Century British Architecture; Vitruvius Britannicus, Second Series

Complete in two volumes. Volume 1: circa 200pp, in laminated card covers, with over 100 plate illustrations. Volume 2: circa 200pp, with over 100 plate illustrations, in laminated card covers. Tall 4to. Both volumes have very gentle edge wear to covers; volume one has a small smudge mark on the text block fore edge. Both are neat, clean, bright and tight throughout. A large and heavy set which will incur an additional charge for overseas delivery. These volumes are complete and unabridged republications. The first volume contains the first three volumes of Vitruvius Britannicus, or the British Architect, which were originally published by the author in London in 1715, 1717 and 1725. The second volume is an unabridged republication of all the plate illustrations from the two later parts in the series, designed by J Badeslade, J Rocque, John Woolfe and James Gandon. The Baroque excesses of the early 18th century, which inspired a rebellion among contemporary architects and their patrons. Taking their cue from the Renaissance works of Andrea Palladio, these Neo-Palladians returned the direction of British Architecture towards classical principles. The Vitruvius Britannicus reflects their vision, offering magnificent copperplate engravings of great English country houses and public buildings.

Architecture, Palladio, Classical Architecture, Baroque,