Area Studies

摘要

From ancient temples to modern towers Italy abounds with exquisite buildings that have inspired both architects and travellers from around the world. The country has been enriched by genius such as Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Alberti, della Porta, Michelucci and Scarpa. Prestigious publishers, for example Laterza, Skira and Electa in Italy, as well as Oxford, Princeton and Yale university presses, have offered fine reference works on Italian architecture. However, there is room on the library shelves for a new book with an original approach.rnThe Greenwood Reference Guides to National Architecture series is targeted at new entrants to undergraduate architecture courses as well as interested general readers. Their 2006 volume on French architecture was previously considered in these columns (RR 2006/349). Architecture of Italy has been written by the experienced French architect and scholar Jean Castex who teaches at the architecture school in Versailles. How do Castex and Greenwood measure up?