Structure in Architecture ― History, Design and Innovation

Twenty-two articles from 1965-96 two published here for the first time by the aptly named Mainstone (the preface's St. Albans sign-off being the only clue to the author's affiliation) include five general studies of the genesis of innovation in structural theory and design in the pre-scientific and more recent past, and detailed studies of particular buildings and structures. Replete with b&w photos, diagrams, and drawings of such architectural glories as Istanbul's Great Church of Hagia Sophia, the dome of St. Peter's, and Smeaton's Eddystone Lighthouse in England. Chapters devoted to a particular achievement are arranged in chronological order; introductory remarks accompany papers originally written in response to others. Sources of articles include the Architectural Review , Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians , and The Structural Engineer . Indexed by subject; bridges, buildings, and places; and persons. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)