Architecture Mysticism and Myth

The perfect temple should stand at the centre of the world a microcosm of the universe fabric its walls built four square with the walls of heaven. And thus they stand the world over be they Egyptian Buddhist Mexican Greek or Christian with the greatest uniformity and exactitude. -from Chapter III: Four Square With a wide-ranging scholarship that is astonishing a prominent figure of the Arts and Crafts design movement explores the esoteric principles of architecture the global interconnected myths that underlie all the structures we build. Through his architects eye Lethaby looks at such diverse traditions as the ancient Norse and ancient Egyptian and at the inspiration provided by everything from the sea voyages of the Phoenicians to the astronomy of the earliest Persians demonstrating how they inform and inspire such wonders as St. Pauls Cathedral the Taj Mahal the Palace at Versailles and others. This 1891 work is a masterpiece of architectural symbolism and an essential foundation for understanding and appreciating classical design. British architect WILLIAM RICHARD LETHABY (1857-1931) was the first professor of design at the Royal College of Art. He also wrote Greek Buildings (1908) Mediaeval Art (1912) and Architecture (1912).