„Regola delli cinque ordini d‘architettura“ was written by vignola. The correct releasing date of the book couldn‘t be found because it isn‘t given on the pages. But it was published about 1562 in Rome which was found out by a letter at this time with the name of this book. The book was one of the most successful books in architecture up until the 19th century. It has been translated in many diffrent language. Contrary to the original intention of the author, who wanted the Regola to provide a basis that enables practicing architects to be creative, the Regola has been received as dogmatic over time. This book is the original source of theory for the five pillars, Tuscan, Doric, Iconic, Corinthian and Composite.
Most of the text of Vignola‘s book is still before the main part. On the first page after the title page there is the printing privilege fronted by Pope Pius IV, followed by a dedication to Allessandro Farnese and the preface by Vignola’s, addressed to the reader, on the following page.
On the following pages follows the main part, which introduces and defines the 5 orders of columns. On each page there is an engraving, which takes up about three quarters of the page, mostly followed by a descriptive text. In addition there is a lot of information about the column on the picture. The layout is similar on all pages, with the margin of the pages always being about 2cm. The engravings can show views of the columns focus on details, but they remind more on plans than drawings. The pages and picturesque are not numbered or titled. And it‘s a small book with a small number of pages, but the pages with the drawings contain many important informations.
Summarized, vignola wants to define rules and teach architectural principles.