Cathedrals of Europe - Hardcover

Prache, Anne

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0801437814 ISBN 13: 9780801437816

Publisher: Cornell University Press, 2000

Synopsis

The great Medieval cathedrals are among the most remarkable monuments of that era. The noted art historian Anne Prache takes us on an amazing journey through the Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals still at the heart of ancient European cities, exploring the awe-inspiring buildings and the great riches they contain.

Cathedrals of Europe stands out among other volumes on the subject in several key ways. Most of its stunning photographs are new, taken especially for this book; the pictures are combined with text that is both authoritative and extremely readable. Rather than concentrating only on such familiar monuments as Notre Dame and Chartres, the author covers many of the more obscure and less frequently visited cathedrals from Italy to Scandinavia, Poland to Portugal.

Prache surveys the history of church building from its humble beginnings in Late Antiquity through the construction of such masterworks of the Gothic style as Reims, Strasbourg, and Wells. Throughout, she reminds us that these magnificent expressions of faith also reflected their builders' hopes and fears, technical expertise, political views, and the ever-changing economic and social realities with which they had to contend.

The works of art that adorn the cathedrals--sculptures, paintings, mosaics, stained glass, furniture, and more--receive particular attention. Study of these aspects, Prache says, provides an "understanding of the aspirations, sufferings, fears, and faith of generations long removed in time."

About this title

Reviews

The length and breadth of cathedral cultureDbuildings, decorations, windows, furnishings, art, illuminated liturgical manuscripts, relics, and treasuresDare covered in this English translation of a historical survey first published in 1999. Prolific medievalist Prache (art history, Sorbonne; Chartres Cathedral, o.p.) shares her profound knowledge in lengthy, well-disposed essays on major periods from the fourth century to the late Middle Ages. The explanatory sections on stained glass, mosaics, manuscripts, cloisters, and sculptured doorways are outstanding, as are the detailed photographsDmany of which were commissioned for the book. The scope is pan-European, with smaller, less-visited cathedrals also receiving attention. The bibliography is divided into periods and individual sites. Despite the text's small font size and the lack of a glossary, this single-volume overview is highly recommended.DRussell T. Clement, Northwestern Univ. Lib., Evanston, IL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cornell University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0801437814
• ISBN 13: 9780801437816
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 279