"The architect, teacher and collector Sir John Soane compiled what was probably the first comprehensive collection of architectural drawings in the world. and it remains one of the jewels in the crown of architectural art. The quality of Soane's collection is scarcely paralleled elsewhere, but because of their fragility these items are rarely seen by the public. This magnificent book draws together the most exquisite and important works from Soane's drawings collection, providing a sumptuous opportunity to peruse some of the finest architectural drawings in existence, including Giovanni Battista Piranesi's view of the Temple of Neptune, John Thorpe's sketch of Old Somerset House and Joseph Michael Gandy's cutaway view of the Bank of England. Soane Museum curator Frances Sands gives an insightful description of each piece. Work by Montano, Wren, Hawksmoor, Vanbrugh, Gibbs, Kent, Chambers, Adam, Clérisseau, Pêcheux, Wyatt, Playfair, Nash, Reynolds and of course Soane himself, are also featured." --Back cover.