Unto This Last is an essay on economy by John Ruskin, critical of the 18th and 19th century capitalist economists. When first published as four magazine articles in 1860 they were, in the words of Ruskin himself, "very violently criticized" and the publisher was forced to halt publication. But Ruskin persevered and released the four articles in this book form in 1862. Gandhi read Unto This Last in 1904 and it had a huge impact on his social and economic philosophy, with Gandhi making an im...

In 'The Stones of Venice,' John Ruskin explores the intricate relationship between architecture, society, and morality, presenting a comprehensive critique of Venetian Gothic architecture. Through rich descriptions and detailed illustrations, Ruskin examines the aesthetic principles underlying the city's edifices and their cultural significance. The book stands as a manifesto for the importance of craftsmanship and beauty in architecture, juxtaposing the splendor of Venice with the emergin...

It may perhaps be thought, that in prefacing a manual of drawing, I ought to expatiate on the reasons why drawing should be learned; but those reasons appear to me so many and so weighty, that I cannot quickly state or enforce them. With the reader's permission, as this volume is too large already, I will waive all discussion respecting the importance of the subject, and touch only on those points which may appear questionable in the method of its treatment. ii. In the first place, the boo...

Synopsis "The Elements of Drawing" was written during the winter of 1856. The First Edition was published in 1857; the Second followed in the same year, with some additions and slight alterations. The Third Edition consisted of sixth thousand, 1859; seventh thousand, 1860; and eighth thousand, 1861. The work was partly reproduced in "Our Sketching Club," by the Rev. R. St. John Tyrwhitt, M.A., 1874; with new editions in 1875, 1882, and 1886. Mr. Ruskin meant, during his tenure of the Slade...

The Seven Lamps of Architecture : Lectures on Architecture and Painting, The Study of Architecture by John Ruskin, first published in May 1849. The 'lamps' of the title are Ruskin's principles of architecture, which he later enlarged upon in the three-volume The Stones of Venice.Chapters include:The Lamp of SacrificeThe Lamp of TruthThe Lamp of PowerThe Lamp of BeautyThe Lamp of LifeThe Lamp of MemoryThe Lamp of Obedience

The work now laid before the public originated in indignation at the shallow and false criticism of the periodicals of the day on the works of the great living artist to whom it principally refers. It was intended to be a short pamphlet, reprobating the matter and style of those critiques, and pointing out their perilous tendency, as guides of public feeling. But, as point after point presented itself for demonstration, I found myself compelled to amplify what was at first a letter to the ...

This file includes: Arata Pentelici (lectures on the elemens of sculpture), Ariadne Florentina (lectures on wood and metal engraving, The Ethics of the Dust (lectures to housewives on the elements of crystallization), Giotto and His Works in Padua, Harbors of Engalnd, Hortus Incusus (messsages from the wood to the garden), A Joy Forever and Its Price on the Market, The King of the Golden River, Lectures on Architecture and Painting, Lectures on Art, Lectures on Landscape, Love's Meinie (le...

The richness of the Treasure Valley, high in the mountains of Stiria is lost through the evil of the owners, the two elder "Black Brothers", Hans and Schwartz, who in their foolishness mistreat Southwest Wind, Esquire, who in turn floods their valley, washing away their "liquid assets", and turning their valley into a dead valley of red sand. Forced into a trade other than farming, Hans and Schwartz become goldsmiths. They cruelly melt their younger brother Gluck's prize heirloom, a golden...

In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility. It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts. One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfa...

"Time and Tide" by John Ruskin is a profound exploration of the relationship between nature and human life. In this work, Ruskin delves into the significance of the natural world, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting the environment. He articulates his thoughts on art, beauty, and the moral responsibilities of individuals towards nature. Through vivid imagery and eloquent prose, Ruskin invites readers to reflect on their place within the larger tapestry of life, urgin...

In "Three Letters and an Essay," John Ruskin beautifully articulates his early reflections on art, architecture, and society, penned between 1836 and 1841. Enhanced by a distinctive prose style that mingles lyrical elegance with rigorous analysis, these writings serve as a prelude to Ruskin's later, more extensive works. The letters, discovered in his tutor's desk, offer a glimpse into his formative thoughts, which were deeply influenced by the Romantic ideals of beauty and truth, as well ...

When you begin to read this book, sit down very near the window, and shut the window. I hope the view out of it is pretty; but, whatever the view may be, we shall find enough in it for an illustration of the first principles of perspective (or, literally, of “looking through”). Every pane of your window may be considered, if you choose, as a glass picture; and what you see through it, as painted on its surface. And if, holding your head still, you extend your hand to the glass, you may, wi...