John Newenham Summerson (1904–1992)

The great essays are great even if over a half century old. The reason for the rating is the not so great essays. Good try in finding something special in Gandy but ultimately not convincing. The Butterfield essay didn't seem thought through enough, downplays Pugin and doesn't really address the influence of the Camden Society in relationship to architectural thought. But, it could be a good essay if expanded . The main essay Heavenly Mansions on Gothic was cute and needed to be more show more developed on the house/temple idea. There is allot there. He really down plays Suger's thoughts and how it changed architecture. But that would be contrary to his thesis. It is amazing reading the Modern and preservation essays on how much he was a thought leader. He is still a classicist at heart. And his elitism does come through. Just read the Past in the Future to really feel that aspect. show less

This book was definitely not written for me; I just happened upon it while bored. That is to say I’ve been slightly indoctrinated into classical architecture now, and it’s this book to blame. I’m a little tired now but credit where credit is due I guess

A great history of the architecture of Georgian London which also tells of its fate since 1830.

What every serious museum guide should have: no pictures! Well it has a few, but only black and white, you must go there!