Parthenon by Panayotis Tournikio

From the Publisher

Few if any would dispute the Parthenon's position as the most important monument in Western civilization. In its art and architecture, it is the ultimate expression of the golden age of Pericles, when democracy was born. But few also realize that the Parthenon achieved that "ideal" status only in relatively modern times; until the late eighteenth century, when the first detailed pictures of the structure were published and the Elgin Marbles removed to London, the Parthenon was perceived only as a superb work of the Classical Greek period. As work now proceeds atop the Acropolis on the restoration of the monument, what better time for a multifaceted examination of the Parthenon. This fascinating volume brings together eleven original essays by noted scholars and writers, each of whom offers a different perspective on this greatest of all cultural monuments. In addition to providing detailed descriptions of the sculpture and architecture of the Parthenon, the essays treat such diverse topics as the place of the Parthenon in the history and theory of modern architecture, depictions of the Parthenon in art through the ages, the Parthenon as appreciated by contemporary Greek society, and the Parthenon in the consciousness of modern Greek poets and thinkers.

Publishers Weekly

Built in the fifth century B.C. as a temple to the goddess Athena, the Parthenon was converted into a Christian church in the seventh century, and in 1460, Mehmet II, conqueror of Constantinople, converted it into a mosque. The building sank into obscurity, and was rediscovered as a monument of matchless perfection, symbol of Athenian democracy, only in the 18th century. In this stunningly beautiful album featuring 336 illustrations (138 in color), an international team of architects, archeologists and art historians follow the Parthenon's changing fortunes and gauge its shifting image, in various epochs, as a romantic touchstone of antiquity, a classical gateway to eternity and a symbol of the triumph of reason over primordial forces. The influence of the Parthenon's sculpture and architecture on Rodin, Viollet-Le-Duc, Henry Moore, Picasso and Le Corbusier is discussed; one essay chronicles the temple's eight successive restorations from the fourth century onward; another examines its use as a national symbol in modern Greek ads, paintings and cartoons. Tournikiotis is an architect and professor in Athens. (Aug.)

School Library Journal

YAThis oversized book covers many aspects and perspectives of the Parthenon through 11 original essays by noted Greek scholars and writers. The structure is discussed and pictured as a relic of the past and as a monument to the foundations of democracy, architecture, and philosophy on which the modern Western world is built. YAs should find this book to be a tremendous resource for reports in practically any subject from technical drawing or U.S. government, to mathematics and warfare. Each illustration and photograph evokes the mystery of ancient times and the beginning of the modern era. By delving into this wonderful work, readers can experience the impact that this amazing structure has had on the lives of millions of people. The essays are quite detailed and thoughtfully written. One could readily return to Parthenon time and time again just to browse the countless pictures and diagrams or to find many insights and sources for further exploration.Dino Vretos, formerly at Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents