A Book of Architecture

work by Gibbs

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

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June 22, 2026

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A Book of Architecture is a significant work by Scottish architect James Gibbs, published in 1728. This book served as a widely used architectural pattern book throughout Britain and its colonies in the 18th century. Gibbs's architectural style synthesized Italian and English modes, influenced by his studies in Rome with Carlo Fontana and later by Palladianism. His work, including buildings like St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, set a standard for church architecture. A Book of Architecture provided designs that architects and builders could follow, contributing to the dissemination of architectural ideas and styles during that period.1

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James Gibbs
His major written work, A Book of Architecture (1728), was the most widely used architectural pattern book in Britain and its colonies during the 18th century.
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His major written work, A Book of Architecture (1728), was the most widely used architectural pattern book in Britain and its colonies during the 18th century.
Read More