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Publication Review

Title: 10 Books on Architecture
Author: Vitruvius, translated by Joseph Gwilt
File: Free Book, PDF 942 KB, 154 pages

Review
Vitruvius was a Roman architect, writer and more. According to Wikipedia, Vitruvius' 10 Books on Architecture is the only surviving major book on architecture from classical antiquity. Vitruvius is perhaps most known for asserting architecture must have the 3 qualities of: firmitas, utilitas, venustas. Much debate has surrounded the translation of these three words. An acceptable translation for many is that architecture must be durable, useful and beautiful.

Table of Contents

• Book I: Siting a Town
• Book II: Materials
• Book II: Temples
• Book IV: Temple doors, atlers and orders
• Book V: Civil Public Spaces
• Book VI: Private Houses
• Book VII: Wall Paintings
• Book VIII: Water
• Book IX: Prologue - geometry, architect's place, etc.
• Book X: Prologue - cost overruns, machines, etc.