Lectures on Architecture and Painting, Delivered at Edinburgh in November 1853

"Lectures on Architecture and Painting, Delivered at Edinburgh in November 1853" by John Ruskin is a series of talks that probably took place around the mid-1800s. They're all about why good-looking and well-thought-out building design is so important, especially when you look at old cities like Edinburgh. The lectures try to get people excited about beautiful architecture and careful planning, telling them to avoid boring, same-old buildings. The author gets started by explaining what he wants to do in these lectures, and then gives a speech to the people of Edinburgh about architecture. He talks about how proud the city is of its buildings, and tells people they need to care about making buildings that are high quality. He compares the amazing buildings and pretty views of Edinburgh to new buildings that don't have anything special about them. By pointing out the bad things about modern design and asking for a more imaginative way of doing things, the speaker prepares everyone to learn more about architecture, focusing on why designs that are strong and beautiful are so important.