Product Description

Visiting historic buildings is one of Britain's most popular pursuits. Visitors, however, are often frustrated by existing guidebooks, which assume much prior knowledge of architectural history and terms. This book presents a new look at cathedrals, abbeys and churches through the eyes of experienced stonemason, Thomas Maude. He uses historical and technical information, colourful anecdotes and his knowledge of building structures and techniques to convey the excitement which they hold in store.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #78064 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-09
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Customer Reviews

Cheerful
The beginner in the field of church architecture will certainly gain much from this book, but so too will the more avid church enthusiast. In the case of the latter this is partly due to the authors perspective as a stone-mason. His writing allows us to get "inside" the structures being described, as in the description of the construction of piers, and the revelation that the details on stonework were only carved once the blocks were in position. He is able to empathise with the inspiration and motivation of the medieval masons, as on p45. Indeed, Thomas Maudes love and enthusiasm for his vocation is evident throughout, giving, odd though it may sound when applied to a work of non-fiction, an intensely cheerful book. Written in a conversational style, the reader is addressed directly with promises of the skills and knowledge that they will attain.

A "down-to-Earth" book on gothic architecture
This book is a joy to read. If you are looking for a first book to read on Church architecture, it will give you a very pleasant introduction. And if you have read a few books already, I'm sure you will still pick up some new knowledge thanks to his practical hands-on understanding of Gothic architecture. His discussion of the different types of vaults is one of the best I've ever seen. When art historians discuss mechanical issues like that, I sometimes get a bit confused.

A Labour of Love
This is a gem of a book. It focuses on the technical details of construction in stone in medieval times. But it is also an very personal effort on the part of a practicing stonemason to share his love of the craft.

For a more widely scoped history, including not just the "how" but the "why" of cathedral-building, go to Robert Scott's "The Gothic Enterprise" (or perhaps Philip Ball's "Universe in Stone", just published).

But start here.