Vaughan Hart Livres

Sebastiano Serlio was the most important architectural writer and theorist of the 16th century. The author of the first wide-ranging illustrated book on architecture, he produced a complete set of model designs as well as practical solutions for everyday design problems.

Sebastiano Serlio was one of the most influential architectural writers of the 16th century. This work brings together five volumes of his treatise on the principles of architecture, which deal with the rules of geometry and perspective, and attempt to codify the rules of design.

"The diverse works of architect Nicholas Hawksmoor (?1661-1736) ranged from small architectural details to ambitious urban plans, from new parish churches to work on the monument of his age, St. Paul's cathedral. As a young man Hawksmoor assisted Christopher Wren and John Vanbrugh, emerging from these formidable apprenticeships to design some of the most vigorous and dramatic buildings in England. In this engaging book, architectural historian Vaughan Hart presents a fresh view of Hawksmoor's built and planned work. In addition, Hart offers the first coherent explanation of Hawksmoor's theory of architecture." "Most famous for his brooding London churches and the mausoleum at Castle Howard, Hawksmoor also designed the twin towers of Westminster Abbey and, in Oxford, the Clarendon Building and college of All Souls. He dreamed of transforming the historic centres of Oxford and Cambridge into ideal cities, and at Westminster he planned a new bridge and triumphal route to celebrate London's growing status as a world capital. Hart explains why Hawksmoor's buildings look the way they do, what contemporary events influenced his work, and how such ancient buildings as Solomon's temple and Mausolus's tomb inspired him. Underscoring the unique qualities of the architect's accomplishments and aspirations, Hart establishes with new clarity Hawksmoor's role in the development of English architecture."--BOOK JACKET.

Focusing on Christopher Wren's fascination with Eastern antiquity and Ottoman architecture, this study reveals how his theories challenged traditional views on the origins of architectural styles. Hart explores Wren's integration of classical elements influenced by his appreciation for Eastern traditions, alongside the Anglican interest in the Eastern church. Through meticulous examination of diary records, the book reassesses Wren's collaboration with Robert Hooke, offering a fresh perspective on Wren's contributions to architecture and his innovative approach to design.

“The action was a series of fights in the ring and I played the boxing second. I had thirty-four entrances and exits, very few lines and a sponge.” Throughout a career in theatre, television and film spanning over 75 years, actor Peter Vaughan has kept in mind a piece of advice given to him by his father: Always see the ludicrous side of things. This may come as a surprise to those who associate him mainly with menacing, even brutal characters, in everything from Sam Peckinpah’s Straw Dogs to Terry Gilliam’s Brazil. Many will have fond memories of his portrayal of ‘genial’ Harry Grout in the classic sitcom Porridge, which is ironic since the character only appeared in three episodes. Such was the indelible mark Peter’s performance left on the viewers’ imagination. Still working in his nineties, he has recently gained a whole new generation of fans with his role as Aemon Targaryen in the hugely popular fantasy drama series Game of Thrones. This autobiography takes us back to describe his upbringing in 1920s Shropshire, the stormy relationship between his parents, his wartime exploits and early career in rep before going on to find fame on stage and screen alongside such notable figures as Celia Johnson, Tallulah Bankhead, Tony Curtis, Frank Sinatra, Tony Hancock and many more. Through it all, that awareness of the ludicrous has perhaps helped to keep Peter sane and certainly contributed to the enormous enjoyment of the work which shines through in this honest and revealing account of his life.