Christopher Alexander: The Search for a New Paradigm in Architecture

£45.00

Christopher Alexander: The Search for a New Paradigm in Architecture

Name: Christopher Alexander: The Search for a New Paradigm in Architecture
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6490
Price: 45.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Christopher Alexander: The Search for a New Paradigm in Architecture, Stephen Grabow — 1st Edition

Publication: Stocksfield, Oriel Press, 1983

Formatting: 8vo, pp. xviii, 306.

Condition Report: Near Fine. A remarkably well-preserved example, tightly bound in its original red cloth with bright, unoxidised gilt tooling to the spine. The boards remain sharp and firm, demonstrating no discernible shelf-wear or bumping to the extremities. Internally, the text block is exceptionally crisp and bright, free from the age-toning, foxing, or prior ownership inscriptions that frequently afflict volumes of this era, suggesting it has been stored in a favourable environment. The unclipped dust jacket is similarly excellent, retaining its original price to the front flap, with only the most trivial, barely perceptible handling wear.

Catalogue Note: A handsome first edition of this comprehensive biographical and philosophical study, developed in close collaboration with the architect himself. Profusely illustrated throughout with black-and-white plates, architectural diagrams, and transcripts of conversations, the work provides essential context for Alexander’s seminal contributions to environmental structure and design theory.

While the title itself is not exceptionally rare on the open market, securing a first edition in such uncompromisingly clean, near-fine condition, complete with its crisp, original dust jacket, is increasingly uncommon for collectors of late-twentieth-century architectural theory.

In The Search for a New Paradigm in Architecture, Stephen Grabow offers an intimate and deeply researched analysis of Christopher Alexander, one of the most influential and provocative architectural thinkers of the twentieth century. Tracing the development of Alexander’s philosophy, Grabow examines his quest to understand the underlying geometry and "wholeness" that gives life to buildings and spaces. A crucial text for architects, designers, and urban planners, this book demystifies the complex mathematical and psychological foundations of Alexander's pattern languages, presenting a compelling vision for a more humane and organically structured built environment.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Stephen Grabow

Book Publisher: Oriel Press

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Art & Architecture

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 324

Book Publication Year: 1983

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Leeds, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.