Friends with an old book I Argument
Isaac Ware, an English architect who lived from 1704 to 1766, wrote a comprehensive work on architecture. He worked as a translator for Andrea Palladio, an Italian Renaissance architect. After growing up in poor conditions, he was adopted, where his talent was quickly recognised. He was a member of the St. Martin’s Lane Academy, which had many important representatives of the Rococo period. He translated and reillustrated Palladio’s four books on architecture, as he was not satisfied with Palladio’s translation and its illustrations.
The book “A Complete body of Architecture” is one of his few works published in series between November 1755 and September 1757. The title indicates that it will offer a complete explanation of architecture and its components. It could also provide instructions on how the several aspects of architecture should function and be accomplished. The book has 748 pages and an index at the end.
The book contains many plans, drawings, and illustrations, including some that are folded and quite large. Most of the illustrations appear to be technical drawings and are not in color. Since it is a generally large book, measuring 45.7 cm x 29.2 cm, it is heavy and creates the impression that it contains very detailed descriptions and explanations of architectural components.