A Journey with the Renaissance Master Andrea Palladio
by Witold Rybczynski
Scribner, 2002
Comments: I've written about Rybczynski before -- and certainly will again -- but this is my favorite of his books to date. Sixteenth century Italian architect Andrea Palladio without doubt had the greatest impact on architectural style in history. The tenets of his design philosophy underlie some of the most beautiful and lasting buildings in the world today. The visual evidence of his influence can be seen practically everywhere. Some of the best examples of his work still exist in the form of several residential villas he designed near Vicenza in northern Italy. Rybczynski takes us on a tour of these, one-by-one, with both an architectural and historical eye for detail. He also resided in one of these villas for a brief period of time and includes an account of that experience. If you appreciate masterful design and things of beauty, and enjoy the nuance of exploring them, then this book is a must read.
Copy Notes: Hardback, first edition, illustrated
