Review by Choice Review
Wilson Jones (Univ. of Bath, UK; Principles of Roman Architecture, CH, Jun'01, 38-5409) here moves back in time to explore the origins of the architectural system the Romans later so capably exploited. He focuses on the emergence of the Greek temple form and the Doric, Ionic, and (to a lesser degree) Corinthian orders. A model of methodical inquiry, this book examines issues of construction, influence, aesthetics, and meaning, balancing assessment of prior speculation about origins with judicious sifting of architectural evidence. Jones's erudition is impressive; he seems conversant with every relevant structure or fragment thereof from the ancient Mediterranean world. Recognizing that design is not necessarily limited by medium, Jones refreshingly extends his inquiry into the larger material universe in which temples appeared. Vase paintings, furniture, and myriad stone and metal objects provide widened aesthetic context and prompt new thinking. The seventh-century advent of the now-commonplace tiled roof, Jones maintains, enabled construction of monumental temples, while the once ubiquitous tripod might hold clues to understanding the mysterious triglyph. A concise conclusion summarizes major points of the text. Seventy-four pages of notes and bibliography enhance the book's reference value. Those without background in ancient Mediterranean architectural/material culture history will find it challenging. --Kenneth L. Ames, Bard Graduate Center
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
