Description

This volume has been prepared with the three-fold objective of giving an elementary knowledge of Architecture and Historic Ornament, of awakening a responsive and sympathetic feeling for the many beautiful and interesting remains of ancient and medieval civilization, and lastly, of directing the attention of students and craftsmen to the beauty, suggestiveness, and vitality of the Industrial arts of the past, and their intimate relation to the social and religious life of the people. The advantages to be derived by students and craftsmen from such a study are manifold, for, by a careful study of these arts we may see the capabilities and limitations of material, the appropriateness and application of ornament, the continuity of line and form – yet with a marked diversity of enrichment and treatment – the interest and significance of details, and the customs, myths, and traditions of the past, with their continuity of thought and expression.

The illustrations, which have been chosen expressly for this work, are typical examples of each period or style and are produced in line as being the method best suited to the requirements of students, giving definition, emphasis, and constructive qualities of design rather than pictorial effect.