In 19th and early 20th century Athens, within the ideological framework of classicism, an architectural synthesis of remarkable significance was cultivated for its compositional independence and aesthetic coherence in urban architecture.

This was an almost unknown phenomenon compared to the declining eclecticism of most European cities. In this volume (which is a restructured edition of the 1987 publication), a mere "visual panorama" of the phenomenon is not presented, as has been done in the past.

On the contrary, an effort is made to provide documentation—enriched with plans and photographic material—at levels of function, form, construction, and aesthetic details of a continuously evolving architectural "grammar." In this way, buildings of private creation are dissected, many of which have unfortunately been demolished.

Collectively, these buildings highlighted the uniqueness of the Athenian urban landscape around 1900. Furthermore, in studying their elements, the society of the time is taken into account (life needs, mentalities, and aesthetics).

Thus, in this volume, apart from the scientific approach, an ethnographic stance is also presented towards the most representative manifestation of modern Athenian culture.