2 v. (xv, [1], 365, [1]; xvi, 347, [1], 12 p.) : ill., 20 plates ; 23 cm.
General Note
With a 12-page list of works relating to art and antiquities at the end of volume 2.
Printed by R & R Clark, Edinburgh.
Bibliography Note
Index in volume two.
Contents
Volumes 1: I. The claims of mediaeval architecture upon our study -- II. Sketch of the rise of mediaeval architecture -- III. The transition -- IV. The thirteenth century -- V. The thirteenth century (continued) -- VI. The rationale of Gothic architecture -- VII. The rationale of Gothic architecture (continued) -- VIII. On the practical study of Gothic architecture -- IX. On the study and practice of Gothic architecture -- Volume 2: X. Early architecture in Great Britain -- XI. Early architecture in Great Britain (continued) -- XII. Early architecture in Great Britain (continued) -- XIII. The practical and artistic principles of early architecture in Great Britain -- XIV. The principles of vaulting -- XV. The principles of vaulting (continued) -- XVI. The dome -- XVII. The dome (continued) -- XVIII. Architectural art in reference to the past, the present and the future
Summary Note
“Only half of the following Lectures were delivered by me, as the Professor of Architecture, at the Royal Academy. The first seven were delivered while Professor Cockerell held the Chair; but, owing to his infirm state of health, I being then an Associate, was, in conjunction with Mr. Smirke, called in to relieve him of this duty. The eighth and ninth lectures were prepared six years later, after Mr. Smirke had retired, and those which follow, when I had succeeded him in the Professorship.
The Lectures are naturally somewhat disconnected; and having been written both at various times and for audiences often changing, may be found in some instances to repeat the same facts and ideas, for which, as well as for too great a prolixity of style, I beg to apologise.
They were written with much zeal; and, thanks to my staff, and to my pupils, my sons, and others, they were magnificently and profusely illustrated; more so, perhaps, than any such Lectures had ever been before.
They have lain long in abeyance; but it seemed to me, that “for better or for worse,” and notwithstanding the lapse of time, they ought to be published, and Mr. Murray has most kindly undertaken to do this for me.
In correcting them for the press, I have made only verbal alterations, or corrected accidental errors, or omitted a few harsh expressions. Where I wished to amplify, I have done so by notes. The illustrations have been mainly drawn by my friend and assistant, Mr. W.S. Weatherley, chiefly from those exhibited when the Lectures were delivered, with additions from my more recent sketches, and will be found to contribute largely to the elucidation of the text.
Geo. Gilbert Scott. London. February 1878.” (Preface, Vol. 1. pp. v, vi).
“At the time of the sudden and deplorable death of Sir Gilbert Scott in March last year, more than 200 illustrations had been made and engraved. The remaining ones are completed in conformity with his marginal directions. Many of these were prepared by me for the Lectures ten years ago, and all have been compared with Sir Gilbert’s sketches, with the diagrams in the MSS., and redrawn. The engraving is by “Leitch’s photographic process.” Some valuable woodcuts, lent by permission of Mr. Fergusson and Mr. Murray, have also been inserted among the letterpress.”
W. Saml. Weatherley. 20 Cockspur Street, London, S.W. (Preface, Vol. 1. p. vi).
Provenance
Purchased for the RA Library 1879. RA Annual Report 1879.
Inscribed in pencil of top lefthand corner of flyleaf of volume 1 'S.A.H.' [Solomon Alexander Hart R.A.].
Binding Note
Brown cloth bound with gilt lining of front board and spine. Gilt lettering on spine and gilt top edge.