The book on which this argument is based is entitled “I quattro libri di architettura”. Through this title, it is easy to understand the organisation of the book. Indeed, it is composed of 4 books, each with a different educational purpose. It was first published in Italian in Venice in 1570 and also contains the author’s own drawings. It is almost 100 years later, in 1633, that an English version was published for the delight of internationals.
The author is the architect Andrea Palladio. It is during his architectural studies in Rome that he began to make sketches and hand measurements of the temples around him. He started then with private houses, as they were the first elements that gave the principles for public houses. He uses the writings of Vitruvius, the Roman ruins and other architectural writings as sources.
The content of the book focuses on the principles of architecture but not only. Through this book, Andrea Palladio seeks to educate his reader with his multiple explanations and countless diagrams and drawings.
As mentioned earlier, the book is divided into four different parts. The first book focuses on the general principles, i.e. the five orders, rooms, doors, roofs. The second book, on private houses, then comes the third book which focuses on public buildings (streets, squares, bridges) and finally the fourth and last book on temples. This is a complete inversion of the structure of the books of Vitruvius or Alberti.
In conclusion, it is obvious to mention that with this book the author has advanced the history of architecture by schematising and measuring his surroundings. Thus being aware of the work of his ancestors and his potential, he was able to help his fellow man.