Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/15

 PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. The Authors' aim in writing this book has been, not only to give in clear and brief form the characteristic features of the archi- tecture of each people and country, but also to consider those influences which have contributed to the formation of each special style. They are of opinion that in published works upon the subject, Architecture has often been too much isolated from its surround- ings, and that the main points of the physical geography, social progress, and historical development of each country require to be understood by those who would study and comprehend its particular style. In order to bring out the effects of these influences, and also the qualities of the styles themselves, a compavative and analytical method has been adopted, so that by the contrast of qualities the differences may be more easily grasped. For instance, the special character of Gothic architecture becomes manifest when put in comparison with the Classic and Renaissance styles; and, further- more, the shades of difference in the local or national phases of each, can also be equally drawn out by a similar comparative treatment. The styles themselves are then analysed and the parts con- trasted ; the analysis being carried out on the basis of the essential parts which every building possesses. As this system pervades the whole book, either the influences, character, examples, or comparative features of each style, can be contrasted with those in any other style. This then is the scheme of the book, which has been divided into five sections in each period, as follows : — I. Influences. i. Geographical, ii. Geological, iii. Climate.