Peter Collins's classic study surveys two hundred years of architectural theories and ideas. It explains what Revivalism, Rationalism, Eclecticism, and Functionalism meant to those who practised them, examining the influence of the other arts and sciences on architectural theory, and analysing notions that are commonly used in discussions about modern architecture but have implications frequently unsuspected or overlooked. Infused with a deep sympathy for the nineteenth century, Changing Ideals in Modern Architecture suggests that many nineteenth-century ideas can be of real value to practising architects, particularly now that technology has made it possible to put them into effect properly.

This new edition will be of interest not only to those who specialize in architecture and have read the standard works of Hitchcock, Giedion, Pevsner, and Joedicke but also to all those with a general interest in modern history and the philosophy of art.