On the Art of Building in Ten Books

by Leon Battista Alberti

Book Overview

De Re Aedificatoria, by Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472), was the first modern treatise on the theory and practice of architecture. Its importance for the subsequent history of architecture is incalculable, yet this is the first English translation based on the original, exceptionally eloquent Latin text on which Alberti's reputation as a theorist is founded.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 026251060X
• ISBN13: 9780262510608
• Release Date: July 1991
• Publisher: MIT Press
• Length: 470 Pages
• Weight: 2.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.8" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A Renaissance Author with a Sense of Humor

This book is half a millennium old and I think it's easier and more pleasurable to read than most current authors writing about architecture. This is a classic, no doubt about that - but it's not dry and boring like I assumed it would be since it was assigned reading for a class. Alberti's genial personality and sense of humor shine through and enliven this text.

A must have Volume for any Architect or Town Planner.

The Ten Books of Architecture by Alberti, is one of the finest texts for the education of an Architect or Town Planner. Alberti's ideas are studied at almost very Architecture Program in the world. The Ten Books of Architecture describe how to design successfully, and how to design towns that are safe. Alberti expands on the work of Vitruvius. I would recommend this book for anyone who has an intrest in design. The text is very simple to understand. After reading these books, one will have a much clearer understanding of design.