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Winner of the Runciman Award for 1989. Justinian's great church in Constantinople was the culminating architectural achievement of late antiquity and the first great masterpiece of the Byzantine world. For over 900 years it was Christendom's grandest place of worship and, for most of this time, the seat of the Orthodox patriarch and a principal setting for imperial ceremonies. After the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans, it was for almost 500 years one of the principal mosques of Istanbul. Its influence, both architecturally and liturgically, was widespread and enduring. Drawing on the work of Robert Van Nice for Dumbarton Oaks as well as on his own detailed observations and critical reading of the historical material, Rowland Mainstone's authoritative account of the church presents the genesis and development of its design and construction, the subsequent changes, and its character and influence. His evocative descriptions, complemented by specially prepared plans and drawings and superb photographs, provide a unique record of an unprecedentedly ambitious project. 305 illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Almost a top-notch book
This is one of the most thorough books about the Hagia Sophia church ever printed. However, it lacked a few important things. First, it would be better as a hardcover. Second, it could have used some 3d renderings of what Justinian's church looked like before the Ottoman conquest. Finally, ALL the pictures are in BLACK AND WHITE! Still a good buy, but do your best to get it at a deal.

Excellent text, fine illustrations, but bad binding
Exaustively researched, excruciatingly detailed, and competently illustrated, this is still the best book I know on the subject, although an update to include color illustrations would much improve it.However, the paperback binding is sadly inadequate--my copy fell apart when I opened it...

I am writing about this, and this book was helpful
I am writing about the Hagia Sophia, and this book is very helpful for information.

a must for ecclesial, historical and architectural buffs.
A bit technical at times but very interesting overall.Excellent photosand elevations.Plus shows how the Church was originally appointed forOrthodox/Catholic Christian sacred use.I have thoroughly enjoyed thisbook. ... Read more

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The first comprehensive attempt to reconstruct from archaeological, liturgical, and historical sources the ceremonial use of Early Byzantine architecture. The archaeological remains of a dozen preiconoclastic churches in Constantinople are examined, and the characteristic patterns of planning revealed are interpreted in the light of the Early Byzantine liturgy. A new approach to Byzantine architecture, which is studied here in the critical first phase of its development. ... Read more

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This book explores the intersection between two key developments of the fourth through seventh centuries CE: the construction of monumental churches and the veneration of saints. While Christian sacred topography is usually interpreted in narrowly religious terms as points of contact with holy places and people, this book considers church buildings as spatial environments in which a range of social 'work' happened. It draws on approaches developed in the fields of anthropology, ritual studies, and social geography to examine, for example, how church buildings facilitated commemoration of the community's dead, establishment of a shared historical past, and communication with the divine. Surveying evidence for the introduction of saints into liturgical performance and the architectural and decorative programs of churches, this analysis explains how saints helped to bolster the boundaries of church space, reinforce local social and religious hierarchies, and negotiate the community's place within larger regional and cosmic networks. ... Read more

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The Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages are among the world's supreme architectural achievements. Hundreds of these great churches were built throughout Europe in a rich variety of styles between c. 1130 and c. 1530, all of them representing an investment of money and effort so immense that it is difficult to find a modern parallel.

Christopher Wilson focuses here on the interaction between design and the requirements of patrons, following the creative processes of architects by reconstructing the problems and opportunities that they faced. He discusses chronology, structural techniques, and stylistic developments and then goes further, seeing the story as a sequence of choices from which new challenges and solutions arose. 221 illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

pretty good
the condition wasn't that bad but there were some tears. still in good condition for the most part on the inside.

Not at all what I expected, but then my expectations were far too low:)
The Gothic Enterprise: A Guide to Understanding the Medieval Cathedral

A work you will not soon forget. If you're looking for a detailed, multichapter description of engineering and construction management in early midieval times, this is perhaps not the exact text for your purpose. But if you considering the salient questions of how, where, when, who and specifically WHY Europeans built immense Gothic Cathedrals, I doubt you'd find a better layman's offering. Mixing religion and mysticism, cultural nuance and day to day living, geography and climate, ruling and ruled, and more... with a top flight researchers ability to discover, present and hone the finest and most remote connections, " The Gothic Enterprise" is no small monument to an author's love of form and place. To fully digest this takes several reads, and without fail something new is garnered and understood with each successive pass through this marvelous book. Enjoy it, I surely did!

Superb Review of Great Architectural Monuments
Christoper Wilson's "The Gothic Cathedral: The Architecture of the Great Church, 1130-1530" is a superb survey of cathedrals and large European churches constructed across four centuries, not only filled with an incisive text but also wonderfully illustrated with hundreds of diagrams and exquisite photographs.It is true that the photos are only black-and-white so the reader cannot wholly grasp the glory of stained glass windows, but the photographs nonetheless render the Gothic architectural features and details with great clarity.This combination of excellent text and superb illustrations makes Wilson's book ideal for either close, intensive study or simple joyful browsing.I cannot imagine that anyone who appreciates glorious Gothic architecture would not find Wilson's "The Gothic Cathedral" not only a valuable but also a necessary addition to his or her library.

The Gothic Cathedral is comprehesive AND readable!
How I ended up being the first to review this book is beyond me. I would've guessed that many a learned architectural scholar would've long since sung the praises of this wonderful book. I, however, am just a layman with a lifelong passion for Gothic cathedral architecture, which started in the Washington National Cathedral and became educated, at least partiallly, in this book.

I consider Wilson's "The Gothic Cathedral", a 'must own' for anyone who has ever felt a yearning to know more about the soaring arches, brilliant glasswork, and impossibly high, vaulted ceilings of these magnificent medieval structures. This book, details the development of this unique form of architectural artistry; beginning with it's modest antecedents in Romanesque architecture and the groin-vaulted churches of Normandy and England and continuing through even the most elaborate and extravagant versions of late-Gothic throughout Europe. Mr. Wilson moves the reader, comfortably and comprehensibly through the chronological development of Gothic architecture, while neatly detailing the differences in coincidental development in several diverse geographic regions. Even I, with no formal architectural education, can now explain most of the finer points of Norman Romanesque, French High Gothic, and the Rayonnant styles of architecture, as well as explaining the odd metamorphisis of the English Decorated style into the very uniquely English, Perpendicular style.

The text is brilliantly cross-referenced with the illustrations, diagrams and photographs, which are both descriptive and beautiful, despite being all black and white. Finally, the glossary, index, and bibliography are complete and very helpful. If you think you MIGHT like this book... you will. Buy it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This is a one-of-a-kind book.
Rare photographs and comprehensive text about the wooden architecture of Russia that can be found in one place nowhere else! ... Read more

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With meticulous research and carefully chosen illustrations, Phoebe Stanton here explores the influence of the English Gothic revival on American church architecture in the mid-nineteenth century, arguing that this fundamentally conservative movement provided a foundation for a new aesthetic. Examining the writings of the movement's leading proponents as well as a variety of important buildings, Stanton offers a comprehensive survey of the architectural principles and models that became most influential in America. She also confirms the importance of the Cambridge Camden Society, which provided the theoretical atmosphere and practical examples that helped to establish new standards of excellence in American architecture.

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Churches have played a major role in New Mexico's culture and history since the earliest days of its colonization. Lavishly illustrated with more than 100 photographs by Daniel Nadelbach, Historic New Mexico Churches tells the story of New Mexico through its churches: their history and legends, and the people who built them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Historic New Mexico Churches
Very interesting. Lots of great pictures.I visited many of these churches, so it is a nice reminder of a fabulous trip.A coffee table book that many people enjoy when they visit my home.

Great book
I spent last summer down in Santa Fe, NM. This book was great as a primer on where to find some of the historic sites we wouldn't of seen otherwise. Highly recommended.

New Mexico Churches
Terrific book with great photography.Really gives a sense of the place.My husband and I grew up in New Mexico and know many of these locations first hand.Seeing the pictures made me feel right at home.New Mexico has a varied past in which these churches have played an integral part.The author has provided an interesting text to give everyone a sense of that history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Gold.... Everywhere....
*sighs* It is hard to put into words the emotions the pictures in this book arouse.The moment the cover is opened, the reader glimpses the radiance of heaven itself.The level of detail is astonishing. I took out my magnifying glass to peer at individual squares of mosaic, and was deeply grateful to the photographers of this fine work.

Whether as a resource to inspire your own artistic endeavours or as a worthy reference book in your personal library's art history section, this reverently created book offers divine blessings.Not many "coffee table books" emanate such intense beauty.

St. Mark's: The Art and Architecture of Church and State in Venice
This is a beautiful book loaded with gorgeous photographs of St. Mark's Cathedral! The photographs are of both the interior and exterior. Lots of history and information to read! Great for anyone planning a trip to Venice, or wanting to remember what they saw at St. Mark's Cathedral while in Venice. Great for anyonewanting to study and see photos of this amazing cathedral!!! This is definitely a fine quality book!!!

Lavishly Illustrated, Scholarly Composed: The Glories of St. Mark's Cathedral
Dominating the vast space of Venice's central square is the glory of St. Mark's Cathedral.So often under various stages of reconstruction and restoration that it remains largely unseen by the casual visitor, this cathedral is one of the richest in all of Europe and this heady tome explores not only every aspect of the structure, it also wanders out into the square and surveys the Doge's Palace and the vistas dotted by the ever present pigeons.

Ettore Vio has gathered brilliant historians to commit essays to this definitive volume: there is more significant writing in this book than in most other art books.From the beginnings of the building through the various stages of Venice's history and its effect on St. Mark's, every aspect of the cathedral's presence in Venice is not only documented but rhapsodized!

The art treasures that are an integral part of St. Mark'sare some of the more important early works from Italian history.The intricate mosaics, frescoes, and the sculptural works adorning the chapels and standing freely in the eerily lighted spaces are so well photographed they seem tangent.One can imagine from the views of the various sections of the building just what the music of Vivaldi, Monteverdi, Gabrieli and the other Venetian greats must have sounded.

The glories of St. Mark's vie with the treasures of the Vatican and in many ways are more spiritual in that they are less well known to us.This is a large volume of history, architecture, art, and the poilitcal changes of Venice all focused on one grand edifice.Highly Recommended.Grady Harp, November 05 ... Read more

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Jeanne Halgren Kilde's survey of church architecture is unlike any other. Her main concern is not the buildings themselves, but rather the dynamic character of Christianity and how church buildings shape and influence the religion. Kilde argues that a primary function of church buildings is to represent and reify three different types of power: divine power, or ideas about God; personal empowerment as manifested in the individual's perceived relationship to the divine; and social power, meaning the relationships between groups such as clergy and laity. Each type intersects with notions of Christian creed, cult, and code, and is represented spatially and materially in church buildings.

Kilde explores these categories chronologically, from the early church to the twentieth century. She considers the form, organization, and use of worship rooms; the location of churches; and the interaction between churches and the wider culture.

Church buildings have been integral to Christianity, and Kilde's important study sheds new light on the way they impact all aspects of the religion. Neither mere witnesses to transformations of religious thought or nor simple backgrounds for religious practice, church buildings are, in Kilde's view, dynamic participants in religious change and goldmines of information on Christianity itself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Faith set in stone
Steven Schloeder has written a book in which he attempts to capture what he describes as the 'true spirit of the Second Vatican Council' in architectural design for churches.Schloeder identifies difficulties in theology and liturgy that have, in his opinion, translated also in problem architecturally.With regard to modernism, he states, 'Many prominent Catholic thinkrs have not discerningly separated the wheat from the chaff and have accepted certain secondary issues as primary ones.'Among these are issues of the Eucharist being a sacrificial meal vs. a communal one, or the difference between the ministerial priesthood and the common priesthood of all being downplayed - these and others are issues that he discusses briefly in theological and historical terms, but quickly develops the way in which architecture shapes and is shaped by such ideas.

Schloeder's vision for the book is set out in the introduction: 'Our goal is to enliven the parish community - which is the true Church built of living stones in Christ - with a material church building designed to serve and further the primary vocation to become a community of love, which must mean a people of sacrifice and redemption.'This is a constant theme throughout the entire text, always present in the spirit of the photographs, drawings, and essays.

Even the structure of the book speaks of an underlying theological bent - three clusters of three chapters.The first three chapters explore issues of history, sociology, theology and liturgy with regard to the modern Catholic church building.The nature of the church is a primary consideration when considering what kind of design and structure its physical enclosure and manifestation should bear.

The second cluster of three chapters look at particular architectural aspects.One chapter examines the needs of the santuary itself, another chapter more broadly at other services and sacramental needs, and the final chapter the wider considerations of the church family and its place in the community.In this later aspect, the church building can grow from being the domus ecclesiae (house church, or home of the church) to being a civitas dei (a city of God).

The final three chapters look at artistic and aesthetic elements, particularly the icon; Schloeder strives to regain the iconographic aspect of the church in the community.The building itself can be a symbol and a work of art, and most certainly should be a sacramental space.

Schloeder is honest about this book not being an answer book - to many of the issues he explores, he has no concrete answers to offer, but rather serves to highlight particular issues for consideration.Indeed, in the creativity of modern architecture, there are often multiple solutions to the same problems.

This book has hundreds of photographs, examples of architecture modern, medieval and ancient, works of art, and outside symbols and examples.It is rather fun, for example, to see a picture of the British House of Commons chamber as an example of similar types of church architecture, then to know that the British HoC is modeled on the older structure in which the Members met in the choir stalls of a chapel.

The writing is crisp and flowing, and fits very well its topic and the surrounding images.This is a good book for all those interested in architecture, church design, liturgy, and the intersection of theology with material arts.

REVIEW BY STAINED GLASS ARTIST OF 90-YEAR OLD FAMILY FIRM
ARCHITECTURE IN COMMUNION gave an excellent insight into the challenges and crises that Catholic church art has faced since the Second Vatican Council.Mr. Schloeder really understands the anguish that manytraditional church artisans faced following the aftermath of theCouncil--when confusion seemed to leave traditional Catholic church arts ata crossroads.

An excellent source book for Catholic church design
"Architecture in Communion" is a detailed, yet highly approachable, weaving of theology, liturgy, architectural history, and iconography. Schloeder's vision for a restoration of beauty and meaning inCatholic church design is both original and solidly rooted in thetraditions of the faith.

His central premise is that Catholic churcharchitecture is essentially "sacramental", that is to say, thematerial building is meant to be an icon or an image of the spiritualreality of the Church.Drawing upon sources from Scripture, the ChurchFathers, architectural history, conciliar documents, canon law, and theCatechism, Schloeder shows us the symbolical language that hastraditionally underpinned Catholic church design, and examines each part ofthe church (nave, sanctuary, altar, ambo, baptistery, etc.) with respect toits function, traditional form, symbolic meaning, and canonicalstatus.

The book is very nicely illustrated with over 300 photos andillustrations. ... Read more

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Rome - imperial city, fountain-head of the Christian world and site of some of the world's most amazing ecclesiastical architecture. This book takes the reader on a journey through Rome's most important churches. 180 cathedrals, churches and chapels are featured, from grand basilicas to intimate chapels. In the process, the book provides a dramatic portrayal of the history of Christianity - from its earlier days, its upheaval and schisms, to the glories of the Renaissance and beyond. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The best for detail...
I really enjoyed this book for all its content on the wonderful churches in Italy.I never knew there were so many. The pics in the book are very artistic and detailed.I was impressed with also the amount of inforelated to the history of these fine churches.I am moved by the RomanCatholic Vatican and its long tradition.IMHO this book is a must buy foryour coffee table.A real eye opener and conversation starter. ... Read more

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Historic Churches of Mississippi is Sherry Pace's photographic tribute to religious architecture in Mississippi. In her new book she showcases 133 of the state's most notable historic churches and synagogues dating from the 1820s through the 1920s. Close-ups of some of the structures reveal the work of talented artisans and beautiful architectural detailing.

Architectural historian Richard J. Cawthon provides historic and architectural background both in the introductory essay and in the captions to Pace's photographs. The religious styles and forms represented range from simple wood-frame country churches to elaborate cathedrals, including the Federal, Gothic Revival, Greek Revival, Italianate, Romanesque, Moorish, and Neoclassical Revival styles.

All of the churches are documented by the Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Archives and History. The book includes images of several churches that have since been destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Katrina, including the bell tower of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Biloxi. Made a memorial after surviving Hurricane Camille in 1969, it was destroyed during Katrina. ... Read more

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Medieval churches and cathedrals are universally acknowledged masterpieces of world architecture. With their long, colonnaded naves and ornamented chancels, these buildings were the center of urban religious life. This splendid collection of illustrations, selected from a rare nineteenth-century French work, documents in 120 plates of fine-line illustrations the exteriors, interiors and details of 163 churches and cathedrals located primarily in Europe. Included, among others, are superbly drawn views of the Basilica of St. Clement in Rome, the Church of St. Front in Périgueux, France; the front facade of the Church of St. James of Scotland at Regensburg in Germany; the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy, the Cathedral of Freiburg, Salisbury Cathedral in England, the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, the Baptistry at Poitiers, Speyer Cathedral, and choir stalls in Amiens and Notre Dame de Paris. Offering superb views of authentic medieval architecture, this magnificent volume will be prized by architects, antiquarians, and lovers of ornamental art everywhere. Original selection of illustrations from Monuments Anciens et Modernes, Librairies de Firmin Didot Frères, Paris, 1853. 120 plates.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Highly recomended!!
This book is an oustanding example of romanesque and gothic religious architecture.It contains several reproductions of engravings illustrating many churches of Europe,such as,Cologne cathedral,Florence cathedral,St Stephen's in Vienna,St Francis,in Assisi,and many more.This book contains detailed engravings of facades,altars,planes,interiors,relieves,etc.A must for anyone interested on religious architecture.

Highly recomended!!
For anyone interested on romanesque and gothic religious architecture.This book contains very detailed artwork on several cathedrals of Europe,facades,interiors,altarpieces,statues,columns,amazing detailed reliefs,etc.The engravings are excellent,just marvel at the reproductions of Cologne cathedral,St Stephen's on Vienna,Florence's cathedral,and several more..A very recomended book of religious architecture. ... Read more

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Mexico's churches and conventos display a unique blend of European and native styles. Missionary Mendicant friars arrived in New Spain shortly after Cortes's conquest of the Aztec empire in 1521 and immediately related their own European architectural and visual arts styles to the tastes and expectations of native Indians. Right from the beginning the friars conceived of conventos as a special architectural theater in which to carry out their proselytizing. Over four hundred conventos were established in Mexico between 1526 and 1600, and more still in New Mexico in the century following, all built and decorated by native Indian artisans who became masters of European techniques and styles even as they added their own influence. The author argues that these magnificent sixteenth and seventeenth-century structures are as much part of the artistic patrimony of American Indians as their pre-Conquest temples, pyramids, and kivas. Mexican Indians, in fact, adapted European motifs to their own pictorial traditions and thus made a unique contribution to the worldwide spread of the Italian Renaissance.

The author brings a wealth of knowledge of medieval and Renaissance European history, philosophy, theology, art, and architecture to bear on colonial Mexico at the same time as he focuses on indigenous contributions to the colonial enterprise. This ground-breaking study enriches our understanding of the colonial process and the reciprocal relationship between European friars and native artisans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Mexican Art
I loved this book, and am currently doing something I've done only twice in my life. I finished it and have turned back to the beginning to read it again.
Not only is the material absolutely fascinating, but the author is a lovely writer.I go to Mexico frequently, and this book will change and profoundly deepen the way I look at so many of the old churches and convents I've always enjoyed visiting.
The author should consider organizing a tour of the places covered in this work.I'd love to go.
Connie Green, Napa CA ... Read more

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Tadao Ando is a leading architect of his generation. These two churches demonstrate essential themes in his approach to the design of places of worship. This book presents each of the churches in detail, using Ando's own drawing archive, including his sketchbooks. The Church on the Water occupies a pastoral site and consists in plan of two squares, one large, one small, that overlap and are arranged facing a man-made lake. The smaller of these two squares is a calming preparatory space, enclosed on four sides by milky-white frosted glass, an "enclosure of light", where one can pause before entering the glass walled chapel below. The Church of the Light is built in a quiet residential area of Osaka, and was planned as an annex to the existing church and vicarage. Here Ando explores the spiritual force of the effects of sunlight on simple raw concrete. Slits cut in the form of a cross perforate the chapel's front wall, and when lit by sunlight they manifest what Ando describes as a "cross of light". When presented together these two churches provide a synthesis of opposites, creating spaces that attain a purity and calm through powerful architectonic forms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Nice book for nice architecture
This book provides a very comprehensive information regarding the two great architecture done by Tadao Ando. After reading this book you will have a through understanding about the concept and the design developmentof the two architecture. There are a lot of nice pictures and drawingsalso. It is worth to be a collectable item for every person who lovearchitecture. ... Read more

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Part of a series of technically informative monographs embracing a broad spectrum of internationally renowned buildings, this work deals with the First Church of the Christ Scientist, California, and includes a comprehensive set of technical drawings and working details. Bernard Maybeck's First Church of Christ Scientist is an exemplary craftsman's building, but one which defies simple categorization; it is both unique and eccentric. Maybeck was fist trained as a furniture maker and then progressed to the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Paris. The church is both steeped in craft tradition and reliant on ceremonial axial composition ideas basic to the Beaux Arts outlook. Architecturally, it is an exuberant collage of Gothic, domestic Californian and Stick Styles, and an almost fantastic variety of materials, including carved wood, and industrial windows sashes. Yet the design has a convincing unity which contains and far transcends its sources. ... Read more