Product Description

The early middle ages were an exciting period in the history of European architecture, culminating in the development of the Romanesque style. Major architectural innovations were made during this time including the medieval castle, the church spire, and the monastic cloister. By avoiding the traditional emphasis on chronological development, Roger Stalley provides a radically new approach to the subject, exploring issues and themes rather than sequences and dates. In addition to analysing the language of the Romanesque, the book examines the engineering achievements of the builders, and clearly how the great monuments of the age were designed and constructed. Ranging from Gotland to Apulia, the richness and variety of European architecture is explored in terms of the social and religious aspirations of the time. Symbolic meanings associated with architecture are also thoroughly investigated. Written with style and humour, the lively text includes many quotations from ancient sources, providing a fascinating insight into the way that medieval buildings were created, and in the process enlivening study of this period.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #176794 in Books
• Published on: 1999-10-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

About the Author
Roger Stalley is Professor of the History of Art at Trinity College, Dublin. His previous books include Architecture and Sculpture in Ireland 1150-1350 (1971), The Cistercian Monasteries of Ireland (1987), Irish High Crosses (1991), and Ireland and Europe in the Middle Ages (1993). He has published over fifty articles on various aspects of medieval sculpture and architecture. He is a member of the Royal Irish Academy and an Honorary member of the
Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland.

Customer Reviews

Excellent
This book offers an highly engaging approach to Early Medieval Architecture. It treats the subject thematically allowing the reader to follow up the parts they are most interested in. The only downside of this is that it leads to some repetition. This is a small price to pay, and indeed may be welcome considering Prof. Stalley's (A real professor, not an American style lecturer where they are ALL called professor. Stalley is the Chair of Art History at Trinity College, Dublin) superb writing style. If David Attenborough were to write a book on architecture with all his personality, charm and eruditeness he would have a difficult time topping this book. A must for those casually interested, but also undergraduates; because of the commentated bibliography which even suggests different avenues which need further research.

Fantastic!
Professor Stalley writes in a highly engaging manner...a long way from the often dry style of many medieval scholars. The thematic approach is very different to the usual chronological method and it works well, making it more accessible generally. He is a great writer, lecturer and scholar. I couldn't recommend this book (and any other book/paper written by Prof. Stalley) enough.