Product Description

Designated by King George V to replace Calcutta as capital of British India, New Delhi was constructed between 1912 and 1929 under the steady eye of architect Sir Edward Lutyens who sought to bring to this British Colony a sense of classicism, order, and institutional beauty. Brimming with more than 300 color and black and white illustrations, plans and photographs, this book presents the most comprehensive examination to date of how this city was envisioned, planned and constructed.

From the massive war memorial arch and resplendent sandstone and marble government house to the spacious gardens and the gloriously imposing Viceroy's House, the evidence of Lutyen’s architectural genius is everywhere throughout New Delhi. As architectural historian Andreas Volwahsen discusses the importance of Lutyen’s work he provides a fascinating account of the making of a city: the contentious debates and cultural considerations, the inspiration and the painstaking construction, and finally the ways in which New Delhi has evolved into a modern city. With the growing interest in the preservation of historic sights worldwide, this magnificently detailed yet highly accessible history is certain to become a classic in the fields of architecture and urban design.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #553016 in Books
• Published on: 2003-02
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

Review
"...an extraordinary volume...is a fascinating account of New Delhi’s creation with emphasis on the importance of its architecture." -- Antiquer, June 2003

"Most useful are the many photographs, some in seductive color, and plans and drawings." -- Choice, September 2003

From the Publisher
From the massive war memorial arch and resplendent sandstone and marble government house to the spacious gardens and the gloriously imposing Viceroy's House, the evidence of Lutyen’s architectural genius is everywhere throughout New Delhi. As architectural historian Andreas Volwahsen discusses the importance of Lutyen’s work he provides a fascinating account of the making of a city: the contentious debates and cultural considerations, the inspiration and the painstaking construction, and finally the ways in which New Delhi has evolved into a modern city. With the growing interest in the preservation of historic sights worldwide, this magnificently detailed yet highly accessible history is certain to become a classic in the fields of architecture and urban design.

About the Author
Andreas Volwahsen holds a Ph.D. in architecture and heads an international consulting firm. His fascination with the Indian subcontinent goes back thirty years and is the subject of the author’s previous book, Cosmic Architecture in India: the Astronomical Monuments of Maharaja Jai Singh II (Prestel). He lives near Munich, Germany.

Customer Reviews

Imperial Splendor
Wow, this book is incredible, it is quite frankly a perfect book on this subjuct. This book does not leave one leaf unturned, it has amazing B&W photos and the research is impecable, I just kept thinking, this took a great deal of time and effort to put together, that it had to have been a labor of love or they would have never gotten through it. The effort by the British Raj to build Imperial New Delhi from scratch in two decades is a tribute to British imperial power at its zenith. Whether you think it was wrong or right of the Raj to brand its imperial power on India forever, in the form of Western classical meets Indian mogul, you can't help but be blown away by the scope and beauty of Imperial Delhi. Anyone who has any, I mean any, interest in this subject should buy this book, they will not be disappointed, it is a facinating story of the ultimate colonial power and its effect on this amazing country called India. I will have this book in my collection forever and if you knew me you would know that this is high praise indeed.

An excellent treatment of Imperial Delhi
As someone who lives and works in New Delhi, I've often thought that Raj Path (the Central Vista) reminded me of Washington DC and Paris, and now my suspicions have been confirmed thanks to Volwahsen. I've been to most of the prominent buildings built by the British in New Delhi and the author does them justice. The book is beautifully illustrated and supported by numerous maps and photos. The text is well-written and knowledgable.

My only criticism (a minor one) is that Volwahsen at times assumes that the reader has more than a general knowledge of architecture. For example, he frequently refers to the "stupa" without ever really defining it (a sort of Buddhist roof style). I would have added an appendix with a listing of architectual terms used along with definitions and context.

This should not detract from anyone's decision to read Volwahsen's work, however, as he has done a masterful job. I heartily recommend this book.

good insight, great theories
The book illustrates and studies many new, as well as older well known theories behind the Lutyens Delhi Plan. Volwahsen demonstrates a tremendous amount of research as well as insight that has gone into the subject, which in turn, make you think for yourself.
A must for anyone remotely interested in the subject.