Brook Taylors Work on Linear Perspective - Historical Study

In this review of Brook Taylors Work on Linear Perspective the reviewer finds a deeply researched, scholarly volume that makes two rare primary texts accessible to historians, mathematicians, and artists. The book is valuable primarily because it reproduces Taylor's Linear Perspective and New Principles on Linear Perspective as facsimiles while situating them in the larger story of perspective and early projective geometry. For anyone studying the historical development of mathematical perspective or the roots of projective ideas, this edition is an essential reference rather than a casual read.

Key Features

• Facsimile reproduction: Presents high-fidelity facsimiles of Taylor's two books so readers can consult the original layouts and diagrams as they appeared.
• Historical analysis: Includes a focused narrative on Taylor's role in the emergence of a mathematical theory of perspective, clarifying his influence on later projective geometry.
• Accessible presentation: Aims to make rare primary works available to modern readers, reducing the barrier to studying original sources.
• Contextual focus: Traces development from the early 17th century to Taylor's contributions, helping readers connect perspective problems to broader mathematical advances.
• Scholarly audience fit: Designed for researchers and advanced students who need reliable source material and clear historiography in one volume.

Who It's For

This book is best for historians of mathematics, graduate students in geometry, art historians studying renaissance and early modern perspective, and practitioners interested in original source material. Its combination of facsimiles and commentary makes it a research tool for reconstructing how problems of perspective drove mathematical thought.

Readers seeking an introductory textbook on perspective drawing techniques or a light popular history should look elsewhere; this volume assumes interest in primary sources and the history of mathematical ideas rather than step-by-step practical instruction.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides faithful facsimiles that preserve original diagrams and layouts, valuable for primary-source study.
• Offers focused historiography that positions Taylor within the development of projective ideas.
• Bridges disciplinary readers by addressing both mathematical and art-historical audiences.

Cons

• Not an introductory or practical how-to book, so beginners in perspective drawing may find it dense.

Specifications

Title	Brook Taylors Work on Linear Perspective
Author / Editor	Kirsti Andersen
Contents	Facsimiles of Taylor's two books and historical commentary
Subject	History of mathematics; linear perspective; projective geometry
Intended audience	Historians, mathematicians, advanced students, art historians
Focus	Taylor's role in development of mathematical theory of perspective

Our Verdict

For researchers and advanced readers, this volume is a well-made, well-argued resource that restores two scarce primary works and situates Brook Taylor's contributions in the wider rise of projective thinking. It represents good value as a reference edition for specialist libraries and scholars who need reliable facsimiles alongside informed historical analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include the original diagrams?
Yes; the book reproduces facsimiles of Taylor's original diagrams so readers can study the visual material as printed in the historic texts.

Is this suitable for beginner art students?
No; the emphasis is historical and mathematical rather than introductory drawing instruction, so beginners will likely find it dense.

Will this help understand projective geometry history?
Yes; the commentary specifically highlights Taylor's role in the development of mathematical perspective and its connection to early projective ideas.