1st Edition

Building Ruskin's Italy Watching Architecture

By Stephen Kite Copyright 2012
232 Pages
by Routledge

230 Pages
by Routledge

Based on extensive fieldwork, and research into John Ruskin's still little-interpreted archival material, notebooks and drawings (in the Ruskin Library, Lancaster University, UK and elsewhere), Stephen Kite offers an unprecedented account of the evolution of Ruskin's architectural thinking and observation in the context of Italy where his watching of building achieved its greatest intensity.... Read more
Contents: Introduction; 'Picturesque down to its door knockers': an Italian grand tour; 'Constant watchfulness': beginning the study of architecture (1841-45); Watching Byzantium (1846-50); 'Watchful wandering': evolving a Gothic taxonomy; Cities of bits: colour, ornament and spoils; Stones of Verona; Bibliography; Index.

Biography

Stephen Kite is Professor at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, UK.

A Yankee Book Peddler US Core Title for 2012

'Stephen Kite's study gives us an unprecedented understanding of the development of Ruskin's observation of, and thinking about, Italian Gothic architecture in the period leading to the publication of The Stones of Venice. The book sheds substantial new light on Ruskin's thinking at a key period in his intellectual development. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the subject.' Mark Swenarton, University of Liverpool, UK

'Kite’s professional concerns include architecture and conservation within the build environment, and his expertise runs through this skilful and enjoyable book.' Ruskin Review and Bulletin

'Building Ruskin's Italy is a well illustrated book ... Stephen Kite's investigation of how Ruskin went from youthful traveller to knowledgeable architectural pundit fills a niche. By going beyond the boundaries of Venice, we are reminded of how Ruskin stretched his understanding of Italian Gothic architecture, and of his joy of discovery.' Eighth Lamp - Ruskin Studies Today

'[This is] a book that combines architectural acumen with a deft sense of the nuanced demands of archival research ... [Stephen Kite] takes us deep into John Ruskin's techniques and expertise in order to show just how impactful his method of architectural observation and interpretation was upon later practices.' The Journal of Architecture