Architecture of Greece

From the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus to the National Library and the Univerisity of Athens, this volume examines both the aesthetic design and cultural/social functions of 61 noted architectural landmarks throughout the nation of Greece. Art historian Janina K. Darling discusses how each structure or project was designed and built, and provides a detailed yet accessible description of architectural elements. Darling's entries combine an architectural reading with the larger context of the region's cultural history. An introductory essay, glossary, geographic index, and subject index add to this vastly interesting volume.

The Architecture of Greece is the first release from Greenwood's Reference Guide to National Arhcitecture series.

For readers who do not necessarily have a background in either Greek history or architecture, Darling (history of art, U. of California-Santa Cruz) discusses buildings ranging from ancient to recent. She places the building in its historical context, describes its plan and appearance and its significance to Greek architecture, and summarizes what has happened to it since it was constructed. The entries are alphabetical, but indexed by location, style, and period. The photographs are monochrome. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

JANINA K. DARLING is a lecturer in the history of art at the University of California at Santa Cruz, where she teaches courses in the art and architecture of Mediterranean antiquity, and representations of women in classical art. Her articles on Greek and Roman art, and related issues of gender have appeared in Muse, as well as in Hephaistos, Critical Journal on the Theory and Practice of Archaeology and Related Fields. She was a national lecturer for the Archaeological Institute of America, and leads tours to Italy, where she teaches Roman and Italian art and architectural history.