Classicism and the Construction of Capital Cities: London, Athens and Rome in the Nineteenth Century by Alston, Richard

Classicism and the Construction of Capital Cities: London, Athens and Rome in the Nineteenth Century (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781350445352)

Vendor: Richard Alston
Product type: Books
Format: Paperback
$39.95
$39.95
$39.95
Subtotal: $39.95
Classicism and the Construction of Capital Cities: London, Athens and Rome in the Nineteenth Century by Alston, Richard

Classicism and the Construction of Capital Cities: London, Athens and Rome in the Nineteenth Century

$39.95
Classicism and the Construction of Capital Cities: London, Athens and Rome in the Nineteenth Century by Alston, Richard

Classicism and the Construction of Capital Cities: London, Athens and Rome in the Nineteenth Century

$39.95
Format: Paperback
Description
Description
x

Exploring the intriguing interplay between tradition and modernity in the 19th-century capitals of London, Athens and Rome, Richard Alston delves into the political and architectural choices that shaped these cities as representations of self-consciously modern nations. Politicians and architects invested in classical styles in their efforts to break with traditions and assert new values. Classical style was employed to address questions of urbanism and nation, citizenship and belonging, and history and civilization. The story of 19th-century architectural Classicism offers a compelling narrative of utopian dreams clashing with authoritarian politics to generate the complexities of modern urban landscapes.

Through these three case studies, this book illuminates how Classicism became a potent tool for expressing elitist nationalism in London, excluding Greeks from their own capital in Athens, and reinforcing aspiration to a technocratic, new Rome. As such grand visions collided with modern urban realities, Alston unravels the mythic allure and ultimate failure of these utopian endeavours. This book presents a riveting exploration of the architectural choices that reflected the aspirations and challenges of a rapidly changing world, leaving a lasting impact on the capitals and their nations.

Author: Richard Alston
ISBN-10: 1350445355
ISBN-13: 9781350445352
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Language: English
Published: 12/24/2026
Pages: 232
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 1.00d
By Richard Alston
By Richard Alston
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Richard Alston is Professor of Roman History at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK. He is author and editor of several books including The City in Roman and Byzantine Egypt (2001), and has published articles on the classical influences on modern urbanism, city planning and political theory.

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