Robert Willis (1800-1875) and the Foundation of Architectural History

After 20 years of scholastic labor, Buchanan (archive studies, University of Liverpool) delivers the definitive and richly illustrated intellectual biography of the polymath, Robert Willis (1800-75), a founding father of both architectural history and structural archaeology. Research suggests that his wide-ranging mind took in the study of voice synthesis, facilitated precision gearing required by nineteenth century science, and inspired Edgar Allan Poe to write his first detective novels. The author reconstructs Willis's environment, both socially and intellectually. Eight chapters are arranged both chronologically and thematically. Early chapters cover personal information, his scientific work, and early architectural studies. Later chapters treat Willis's methodology, and introduce the Archaeological Institute. Several chapters discuss Willis's identification and understanding of architecture as both fine arts and historical document, and as having three characters: the aesthetic, symbolic, and mechanical. These are explored through his work on historical plan types of the monastery and the university college. The book concludes with a discussion of his legacy. Buchanan's target audience is scholars, professors and students. There are a multitude of black-and-white figures, a list of illustrations, appendix, glossary, bibliography, list of abbreviations, and Willis's Family Tree. An imprint of Boydell & Brewer. Annotation c2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)