Letters of an architect from France, Italy and Greece

In 1816, architect and botanist Joseph Woods (1776-1864) embarked on a two-year journey through France, Switzerland, Italy and Greece, documenting interesting flora as well as buildings of note.

This two-volume work first appeared in 1828. The account stands apart from other contemporary travelogues owing to the application of Woods' architectural insight.

By critically assessing ancient and modern buildings for strengths and defects, Woods hoped to inform fellow architects as to how they might produce beautiful buildings through the study of different modes of construction and decoration.

Accordingly, the text is accompanied by Woods' drawings of important buildings and architectural features.

In Volume 1, he charts his year-long journey through France and Switzerland to Rome, including discussion of the notable ecclesiastical edifices of Notre Dame and the Vatican.

In Volume 2, he records his travels through Italy, Greece and Malta, examining such notable locations as the Athenian Acropolis and the ruins of Pompeii.