Free eBooks - Architecture
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Ruskin, John
Ruskin, John
Writer on art, economics, and sociology, was born in London, the son of a wealthy wine merchant, a Scotsman. Brought up under intellectually and morally bracing Puritan influences, his education was mainly private until he went to Oxford in 1836; he remained until 1840, when a serious illness interrupted his studies, and led to a six months’ visit to Italy. On his return in 1842 he took his degree. In 1840 he had made the acquaintance of Turner, and this, together with a visit to Venice, constituted a turning point in his life.
In 1843 appeared the first vol. of Modern Painters, the object of which was to insist upon the superiority in landscape of the ...
In 1843 appeared the first vol. of Modern Painters, the object of which was to insist upon the superiority in landscape of the ...
INTRODUCTION.
1. The Science of Architecture, followed out to its full extent, is one of the noblest of those which have reference only to the creations of human minds. It is not merely a science of the rule and compass, it does not consist only in the observation of just rule, or of fair proportion: it is, or ought to be, a science of feeling more than of rule, a ministry to the mind, more than to the eye. ... more...
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CHAPTER I
Why Live in the Country?
The urge to live in the country besets most of us sooner or later. Spring with grass vividly green, buds bursting and every pond a bedlam of the shrill, rhythmic whistle of frogs, is the most dangerous season. Some take a walk in the park. Others write for Strout's farm catalogues, read them hungrily and are well. But there are the incurables. Their fever is fed for months ... more...
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CHAPTER I.
A WISE FATHER AND A GLAD SON-IN-LAW.
mong the wedding-presents was a small white envelope containing two smaller slips of paper. On one of these, which was folded around the other, was written,
"A New House, From Father."
The enclosed slip was a bank-check, duly stamped and endorsed. Did any old wizard's magic-box ever hold greater promise in smaller compass! Certainly not more than the bride ... more...
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LETTER I.
From the Architect.
EVERY MAN SHOULD HAVE A HOME.
My Dear John:
Now that your "ship" is at last approaching the harbor, I am confident your first demonstration in honor of its arrival will be building yourself a house; exchanging your charmingly good-for-nothing air-castle for an actual flesh-and-blood, matter-of-fact dwelling-house, two-storied and French-roofed it may be, with all the ... more...
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PREFACE.
The aim of this work has been to sketch the various periods and styles of architecture with the broadest possible strokes, and to mention, with such brief characterization as seemed permissible or necessary, the most important works of each period or style. Extreme condensation in presenting the leading facts of architectural history has been necessary, and much that would rightly claim place in a ... more...
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GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL WORDS.
Abacus.—The upper portion of the capital of a column, upon which the weight to be carried rests.
Aisle (Lat. ala).—The side subdivision in a church; occasionally all the subdivisions, including the nave, are called aisles.
Apse.—A semicircular or polygonal termination to, or projection from, a church or other public building.
Arcade.—A range of arches, ... more...
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This handbook is intended to give such an outline of the Architecture of the Ancient World, and of that of Christendom down to the period of the Crusades, as, without attempting to supply the minute information required by the professional student, may give a general idea of the works of the great building nations of Antiquity and the Early Christian times. Its chief object has been to place information on the ... more...
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CHAPTER I
BEFORE THE MEAL IS SERVED
Before the meal which is to be served comes from the kitchen by way of the butler's pantry to the dining room, there are many things to be considered. The preparation of the meal (not the process of its cooking, but its planning as a composite whole) and all the various details which precede the actual sitting down at the table of those who expect to enjoy it, must be seen ... more...
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LIGHT, COLOR, FORM, PROPORTIONAND DIMENSIONS
Whatever is good in interior decoration is the result of consistent relationship between Light, Color, Form, Proportion and Dimensions. The choice of Color should be guided by the conditions of Light. The beauty of Form and the symmetry of Proportion can exist only by a balance with Dimensions.
Therefore, apart from any knowledge of historic or period decoration, ... more...
