Albert Morance - Encyclopédie de l'architecture - 1929

Modern Constructions - Volume VIII

Modern Constructions - Volume IX





A **"Encyclopédie de l'architecture"**, published by the prestigious French publisher **Albert Morancé**, is an absolutely definitive work for scholars, architects and collectors. More than a mere book, it is a vast documentary collection that captured the spirit of architecture (primarily French) during the first half of the twentieth century.

Key points to understand the relevance of this work:



### ## What Makes This Work Special?

* Portfolio Format: Originally, these encyclopedias were not bound books in the usual way. They were presented in **hardcover folders** (portfolios) that contained loose sheets and high-quality plates.
* **The Era of Modernism:** Although it covers several styles, the collection is famous for documenting the transition from the *Beaux-Arts* style to the **Art Déco** and the **Modernism**. It is here that we find detailed records of residences, public buildings and construction details from the mid-1920s and 1930s.
* **Visual Quality:** The highlight is the **heliogravures** and large-scale black and white photographs, accompanied by floor plans, sections, and extremely precise technical drawings.

Typical Structure

The Morancé publishing house frequently divided the encyclopedia into series or themes, such as:

1. **Individual Housing:** Luxury villas and country houses.
2. **Public Buildings:** Schools, hospitals, and libraries.
3. **Construction Details:** Hardware, staircases, and plaster decorations.



Market Value and Collecting

Today, these encyclopedias are considered collector's items. Because the pages were loose, finding a "complete" copy (with all plates numbered and the table of contents intact) is rare and significantly increases the book's value at antique auctions. These two volumes are complete.

In good condition with age-related blemishes and imperfections. Photographs are included in the description.