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Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
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Searching... | 30000001955818 | NA40 I48 1993 rd | Reference Book | Dictionary | Searching... |
Searching... | 30000001955859 | NA40 I48 1993 rd | Reference Book | 1:BOOKREF | Searching... |
Searching... | -10463 | NA40 I48 1993 rd | Reference Book | Dictionary | Searching... |
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Summary
Summary
In two volumes, the International Dictionary of Architecture covers the history of architecture from ancient Greece to the present. More than 400 critics of Western architecture have contributed to this text.
Reviews 2
Choice Review
For each of 523 architects, the Architects volume provides biographical data, a chronological list of buildings, a brief bibliography, and an essay of approximately 1,000 words. The organization of the Architecture volume is similar: a construction chronology, a brief bibliography, and a descriptive/analytical essay are given for each of 467 geographically arranged building entries. The set has almost 1,000 photographs (many of very poor quality) and 164 plans. Most essays are excellent, providing pithy summaries of the most significant buildings and architects working in the "Western tradition"; some essays, however, lack clarity (e.g., "Desires, after all, refer to pure 'oughts,' not to 'is'-es or to the egotistic wish"). Bibliographical data is uneven: many, if not most, journal references lack page numbers, recent editions of books listed are rarely included, misspellings of authors occur. Even greater problems are the lack of useful headnotes in the Architecture volume (city and buildings are listed at the head of each page, but the country is not), and the absence of any reference-linking structure between the two volumes. Although imperfect, an important source that complements well the Macmillan Encyclopedia of Architects (CH, Apr'83). J. H. Carmin; University of Oregon
Library Journal Review
First some impressive statistics: this two-volume, 1100-page dictionary weighs in at just over 13 pounds. It contains entries on 525 prominent architects, living and dead, and 464 buildings throughout the Western Hemisphere. Over 220 experts worldwide contributed to the research and writing. Volume 1 (organized alphabetically) provides vital biographical information and original critical essays on architects, engineers, and designers. Volume 2 (organized geographically) contains descriptions of individual buildings and sites. Entries are concisely written and carefully documented. Although there are some curious omissions (influential landscape architect Jens Jensen and American designer Raymond Loewy, to name just two), this dictionary should be considered an indispensable reference for every architectural library in the country.-- H. Ward Jandl, National Park Svc., Washington, D.C. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
