A DEVICE COMMON TO CULTURES worldwide throughout history, stairs share a basic structure related proportionally to human size, but are otherwise infinitely varied. The many variations illustrated in this volume show great designs of an object we all encounter in our environments every day.
The history of stairs begins with notched tree trunks from prehistory and includes examples in every architectural style and material— from iron to Lucite, mud to marble. Early cultures left spectacular examples: the steep steps on their temples signified to the Maya toiling to reach their gods. At Persepolis and the Forbidden City monumental flights glorified secular powers. The theater at Epidaurus has long flights of stairs intersecting the stepped stone seating; the toeholds carved in sheer rock walls brought early people to shelter in the desert Southwest.
The stairs linking the streets of Rome in the Spanish Steps and the steps snaking 1,500 miles along the Great Wall of China share spectacular locations and scale. The double spiral at the heart of the great château of Chambord and the beautiful horseshoe entrance to the château at Fontainebleau are Renaissance designs that have been stages for important historical events. Lore has given many stairs great fame: the stairs Christ is thought to have climbed for his condemnation are still today mounted by pilgrims on their knees; a technical miracle draws tourists to the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe; and a romantic legend brings lovers to Haddon Hall.