Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/660

 602 COMPARATIVE ARCHITECTURE. forms ; if not there will be another great American Classic revival of the French type which will go far beyond any craze such as has occurred in England and do a great deal to retard the true progress of art in America. In conclusion, it is certain that there is a great future for American Architecture if only the architects will, as much as possible, express themselves in the language of their own times. No advance can be made by the copying of ancient buildings, as has been done in certain cases, constituting a retrogressive move- ment, and showing a sad want of the appreciation of the true value of art. The great historic styles must of course be well studied, not for the forms with which they abound, but for the principles which they inculcate, much in the same way that the literature of the past is studied in order to acquire a good literary style. If architecture is thus studied a good result will be assured, and the architect will produce works reflecting the hopes, needs, and aspirations of the life and character of the age in which he lives.