Vitruvius: The Ten Books on Architecture (Volume 1)

by Morris Hicky Morgan, Vitruvius Pollio, Vitruvius

Book Overview

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, a Roman architect and engineer flourishing in the first century B.C., was the author of the oldest and most influential work on architecture in existence. For hundreds of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486206459
• Release Date: June 1960
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 331 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.8" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

interesting perspective

Vitruvius's 10 books (or chapters) on architecture lets you view life through the lens of the 1st century BC builder. While Vitruvius does explain the principals of how to build various buildings and rules for the construction and use of columns, perhaps the most amusing part of the book is his description of life and the things that govern it. Throughout the book he describes certain materials that should be selected for building and their composition of the four basic elements: earth, air, fire, and water. In some sections he spends an excessive amount of time making a point, and some points are glossed over. Many of the things he describes we are still doing to this day. A fascinating read all in all.

Through the eyes of a Roman

This is a wonderful look at the world and its building materials through the eyes of Roman. Great insights into Roman perceptions about how the world worked.

Penn State Student Critique

As a Penn State first year architecture student I have been studying Vitruvius line by line. It is the most inspirational, thought provoking, and interesting book I have ever read. I even hold my own Vitruvian study sessions to review the material and relate all of Vitruvius's topics to the outside world not even related to architecture. If you are at all interested in architecture, construction, philosophy, or if you just want a different type of book to read I urge you to give this a try. It is truly a remarkable book that has revolutioned and standardized many architectural details.

describes the ancient roman traditions of design & building

When I first read this book back in 1991 when I was doing my thesis on courtyard housing I found the descriptions made by Vitruvius on the Roman Domus (courtyard house) invaluable to my understanding.Over the last 8 years it has been a valuable asset in my Library, full of information on lime plasters for walls, ceilings and floors, the makign of Pozzalana concrete, finding water, understanding the winds and energy patterns of the land and a guide to designing better sustainable buildings.Topics include - I -Education of an architect, principles of design, for city, town and homeII The selection of materials - how they are made and used III - The proportions of the Orders, Doric, IonicIV - Applications of the Orders - Temples V -The design of the Public Buildings - Theatres, Basilicas, Baths, Forums, Harbours, Shipyards VI - Design of the Courtyard House VII - Plastering:- technique, materials and application VIII - Water Locating, storage and transportation - aqueducts IX- The stars - Suns moon and 12 planets X - War machines and other instruments At the current Price, this book is a bargain and you will most likely reread it many times, cause its full of useful information.If you are involved in Green building, design, like History, want to build a really nice healthy house, then I suggest this is an ideal book for you.