Classical Greek Architecture: The Construction of the Modern

by Alexander Tzonis, Phoebe Giannisi

A leading architectural historian examines the roots of modern architecture in the buildings, sites, and architectural details of ancient Greece, providing a close-up look at the technology, rituals, social structures, political conflicts, and myths of antiquity and assessing how they influenced the design of Greek architecture. 25,000 first printing.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published November 27, 2004

Reviews

[Architeacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reasons for reading about historical styles of architecture or particular architects may color my observations in ways that won't serve your purposes. I teach architectural history to undergraduates and find that my appreciation for, say, the ancient Greeks is enhanced by my effort to design in their stylistic idiom. In this case, I need to design a Classical Revival mausoleum circa 1900 — yes, really —and Tzonis's book has help immeasurably in two ways: 1) the architecture of 3rd century Greece, and 2) the mindset of Neo-classically inspired architects here in the U.S. 125 years ago. So, this book in combination with Joan Breton Connelly's Parthenon Enigma have put me on track.

[Liz VanDerwerken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the photography Tzonis chose to include in his look at Greek Architecture. So many of the images were absolutely stunning, and by including the work of many photographers one can really get a feel for the structures depicted.