Master Builders of the Middle Ages
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3.9 • 24 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Today, the great cathedrals of Europe stand as beautiful, imposing monuments - the pride of parishioners and the wonder of tourists. It is difficult for us now, even with all our engineering and architectural skills, to imagine the extraordinary ways these medieval houses of worship were constructed.
Midway through the twelfth century, the building of cathedrals became a crusade to erect awe-inspiring churches across Europe. In their zeal, bishops, monks, masons, and workmen created the architectural style known as Gothic, arguably Christianity’s greatest contribution to the world’s art and architecture. The style evolved slowly and almost accidentally as medieval artisans combined ingenuity, inspiration, and brute strength to create a fitting monument to their God.
Here are the dramatic stories of the building of Saint-Denis, Notre Dame, Chartres, Reims, and other Gothic cathedrals.
Customer Reviews
Novum opus not magnum opus
A short book which covers centuries and necessarily becomes superficial in its content. Lacks any detail of the building methods employed and concentrates on an overview of the styles of building and the political forces that drove the constructions. Quite interesting but unfulfilling.
Don’t waste your money
A small “introduction” to the buidling of Gothic Cathedrals. I was expecting beautiful pictures, at least. But there are only dozen small photos that look like postcards. Don’t waste your money.
No Diagrams or Sketches
In the initial chapters, the author describes in great detail the development of cathedral architecture. Simple diagrams or sketches would have given much clarity to illustrate his text. Sometimes a picture is worth 1000 words.
Otherwise the content was very well researched and presented.