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Edward Prior's St Andrew's is a good example of an Arts and Crafts church. Prior saw it's creation as a collaborative work of art between architect, artist, craftsman and builder. The church is striking externally for its simplicity, but within, it contains works by many of Prior's contemporaries: a ceiling by MacDonald Gill; carpets by William Morris; a reredos tapestry by Burne-Jones; and stained glass by A.H. Payne. This book presents the church in detail, using drawings, and archival and recent photography. ... Read more

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Fortress-Churches of Languedoc traces the changing relationship between military and religious realms as expressed in architecture across medieval Europe. The scholarship of medieval architecture has traditionally imposed a division between military and ecclesiastical structures. Often, however, medieval churches were provided with fortified enclosures, crenellations, iron-barred doors and other elements of defence, demonstrating the strong link between Church and state, and the military and religious realms. In her study of fortress-churches, Sheila Bonde focuses on three twelfth-century monuments in southern France - Maguelone, Agde and Saint-Pon-de-Thomière, which are among the earliest examples of the type. She analyses her archaeological surveys of these structures, and also re-examines their documentation, which is here presented both in the original Latin and in English translations. The book also explores the larger context of fortification and authority in twelfth-century Languedoc and examines the dynamics of architectural exchange and innovation in the Mediterranean at a moment of critical historical importance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Marvelous study of Languedoc
For the professional art historian, or an amateur like myself, this is a fascinating study of the rich architechural heritage of this region of France. Recommended for those who want to dig a little deeper than the standard texts. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Full Introduction to Churches
This book goes beyond the architecture of the churches to include discussions on stained glass, icons and colours used within churches.It is a full book but presented in a way that it interesting and can be read in bits and pieces.It has a greater focus on European churches (obviously there are more older churches there) but also highlights a few churches in other countries.

I picked this up as a seminary student wanting to understand more of the buildings used in other traditions.Very helpful with lots of photos and a good book for a lazy Sunday afternoon!




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A comprehensive, illustrated A-Z guide to all aspects of the English parish church, all 18,000, dating from the post-Romans to the present day. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

20th Century Chirch Architecture finally explained.
Finally, a book that gives an understanding of church architecture in balance with the changes in emphasis in liturgical practice.This book was a pleasant surprise.My only complaint and it is a small one is that he falls short in projections for the future... but that is always hard to predict and now at the end of the forst decade of the 21st Century, I think he could have said more. ... Read more

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An illustrated history reflects the structures, people, and movements of religious America with a region-by-region tour of notable country churches that examines basic architecture and the beliefs of the people who attended them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Beautiful Pictoral!
This is a lovely book, and would make a nice gift for someone who loves the old Church structures. Beautiful photos.

Beautiful
I love this book.The pictures are beautiful.It is just what I wanted.

book review
This is a great "coffee table sitter" for those who are interested in old country churches. Lots of beautiful pictures. ... Read more

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About the A History of Architecture series: An on-going 25-volume series stretching from the earliest signs of settlement in the Euphrates and Jordan valleys to the stylistically and technologically sophisticated buildings of the present day. Each volume sets the buildings described and illustrated within their political, social and cultural contexts, exploring architecture not only as the development of form but as an expression of the civilizations within which it evolved. The series focuses on the story of the classical tradition from its origins in Mesopotamia and Egypt, through its seminal realization in Ancient Greece and Rome, to the Renaissance, neo-classicism, eclecticism, modernism and post-modernism. This thread is supplemented with excursions to Asia and the Islamic world. Great gifts; compact and collectable. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Form and Function in Church Architecture
I have recently read two other of James F. White's works.This is a very practical analysis of the theological function behind the various historical forms of church architecture. His emphasis is on the font, altar, and pulpit in various treatments of worship space. He limits himself to the main sanctury.Historical development is focused on the understanding of present practice.He gives perspective on Eastern and Western traditions, the American developments in the West, recent studies of Early Christianity, and recent changes due to Pentecostal theology. He is a defender of lay involvement in worship with an emphasis on the work of worship in liturgy.This is an easy read, and a good introduction to his other works on worship. ... Read more

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This portrait of the parish church, written by the architectural author and presenter of the BBC TV series "Six English Towns", emphasizes the character and aesthetic value of the English church rather than its historical evolution, and features interiors, decorations and furnishings. Alec Clifton-Taylor discusses at length the treatment which old churches were given by the Victorians and explains what he feels is most worth looking for and why. There is a section in which the character of each county's churches is defined, and the book concludes with a list of the churches the author feels are best worth a visit from an artistic standpoint. Alec Clifton-Taylor also wrote "The Pattern of English Building". ... Read more

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Introduction to Japanese Architecture provides an overview of Japanese architecture in its historical and cultural context.It begins with a discussion of prehistoric dwellings and concludes with a description of contemporary trends in areas as diverse as country inns, underground malls, and love hotels.The intervening 12,000 years are analyzed in reference to major changes in architecture caused by Buddhist and indigenous influences, feudalism, and finally the influence of Western culture in the 19th century. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good introduction to the subject
This book is a perfect introduction to the subject: the language is simple, not too technical, there are good pictures and photos and some social and historical background is provided too.
But you wont find any technical drawing here, no plans, no architectural details. So if you are looking for a good book on basic concepts of Japanese architecture this is perfect, but if you already know
something on the subject probably you will prefer a more technical book, where you can find deeper and more precise descriptions of buildings and architectural styles.
Anyway, some pictures are really well done, and I found some paragraphs on Heian and Edo period society very interesting.
In summary, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good book to start a study of Japanese traditional architecture.

Great Introduction to the History of Japanese Architecture
While not very technical in nature, the key word to the title is "Introduction".This is a great place to start if you are interested in the subject, and also a great book to have before visiting Japan to get some ideas of things you may want to see.The book is filled with color photos and drawings of the buildings and their intricate details, showing both interiors and exteriors.The book illustrates many examples of shrines, temples, houses, mansions, torii, and castles including a nice drawing depicting Nobunaga's Azuchi which was destroyed by fire during the Warring States.I like this book very much and highly recommend it.

Only 4.5 Stars Because There Is a "Revised and Expanded Edition"
IF you want 51 more colored photographs, 32 of which are 1- to 2-page spreads, 10 of which are 1/2- to 3/4th-page ones and IF you want what adds up to an additional 3.5 pages of text, THEN you will probably prefer Art of Japanese Architecture, David and Michiko Young's 2007 revision of this book.

If, however, you opt for INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE, you will still get an excellent overview of the entire history of Japanese architecture.Granted, you will not learn, for example, that since this book was written, a particular site is now a National Treasure or that each sliding door handle of a particular mansion bears the design of the imperial chrysanthemum or that the cost of rethatching a roof is now the equivalent of up to half-a million U.S. dollars.But these are mere details, not major revisions.

Nor, if you opt for INTRO, will you be lacking illustrations, for it does have 320, all in color.In fact, with the exception of the added 51 photos, a handful of photos retaken at a different angle and 9 other minor changes, the illustrations are the same as they are in ART.

If you wish more information, please see my review of The Art of Japanese Architecture.I have also included the Table of Contents of both books in the following comment. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an English-language study on the architecture and art of medieval France of the Romanesque and Gothic periods, approximately 1000 - 1500. In addition to essays on individual monuments there are general discussions of given periods and specific problems such as: why did Gothic come into being? Whitney Stoddard explores the interrelationship between all forms of medieval ecclesiastical art and characterization of the Gothic cathedral, which he believes to have an almost metaphysical basis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Readable but hopelessly outdated
Stoddard's text, culled mainly from early to mid-20th century monographs, is a highly readable and well-illustrated account of some of the major Gothic edifices of France but it should be treated with caution. Most of the scholarship is hopelessly out of date (and much of it already was when he wrote it) and he is too uncritical of the grand theorising of Simson & Panofsky et al. If it is to be used, it should be read in conjunction with Paul Crossley's footnotes to Frankl. I teach French Gothic architecture at undergraduate level and I always advise my students to steer clear of Stoddard. Suitable for a keen amateur but not for art history majors.

Comprehensive and Well Written Text
Stoddard's book, written in the very early 1970's, remains a highly informative and generally comprehensive introduction to French Gothic architecture. In spite of its age, it can be easily recommended to any person with a more than passing interest in the subject due to its extensive detail and coverage. At nearly 400 pages in relatively small print, this book may take some time and effort to complete, but it is simply one of the best single-volume treatments of the topic in print today. As implied by the title, the book does not focus solely on architectural forms, but also includes extensive descriptions of the art forms (sculptures, stained glass, manuscripts, and other church art forms), and so each historical section finds individual treatment of cathedral and church designs throughout the gothic period as well as the art forms that adorned these structures. The book is thoroughly illustrated with over 400 black-and-white photos and drawings.

The book is divided into periods by chronological order: Romanesque France, Early Gothic of the 12th Century, High Gothic of the Early 13th Century, From Rayonnant to Flamboyant, and a final section on The Treasuries of Monasteries and Cathedrals.Each section starts with a historical background piece and a map listing the primary sites to be discussed before the main content of the text is presented, giving a good foundation to place that content into the proper historical and geographical context. Once establishing the forms (and shortcomings) of Romanesque architectural design, we are chronologically introduced to the aims and goals of the emerging Gothic style, and this lofty style begins to make sense to us, not only as a stylistic form, but a series of specific reactions to "deficiencies" in the Romanesque form. In fact, one of the strengths of Stoddard's approach is that the reader moves through this entire period in relatively strict chronological form, and it is not all that difficult of a task to visualize the chronology of the specific Gothic construction projects as they are undertaken across the Ile-de-France from the 12th through the 13th centuries. Supplemental drawings highlight specific architectural designs, and numerous floor plans help the reader visualize the similarities and differences between specific buildings.

Art and Architecture in Medieval France is not only highly detailed, it is immensely enjoyable to read. If there are any shortcomings in the book at all, it is that the text is somewhat small, and one finds that "reach" to the reading glasses occurring on a regular basis. It would also have been nice to find this text with color photos on glossy paper. But to be honest, such a change would significantly increase the price of the volume, and the true value in this text lies not in the photos (which are good enough to visualize the discussion) but in Stoddard's research and written presentation, which is solid, informative, and often thought-provoking. If you are looking for a single-volume introduction to Gothic art and architecture, and have more than a passing interest in doing so, this book remains one of the best choices you could make to do so. Supplement it with any of the lavishly illustrated full-color photo coffee table books to get a better sense of the visual format of these buildings and art forms, and better yet, use it as research for making your own visits to the Gothic cathedrals of northern and central France.

Best Book on the French Gothic Church
I've now slogged through four books on Middle Age church architecture and this one is by far the best. The book is written clearly and not unnecessarily burdened with "professor-speak." At the same time, it provided more information, and more interesting information, than the other three books combined.

A couple of cautions: the book focuses on Gothic architecture; Romanesque architecture is discussed more as an introduction to Gothic architecture. And it doesn't have a glossary, which is a downside for readers not familiar with architectural terms.

Informative and useful:still valid though published 1972
I have used _Monastery and Cathedral_ as a teaching text and as a guidebook.It's worth lugging through France, even by train: photos are b/w but well chosen & informative, and follow the text well.Stoddardgives good contextual background and is clear in his description andexplication of the most important medieval churches in France. Could domore with sculpture and symbolism: the main focus is architecture. But hissection on treasures, manuscripts & stained glass is a good start. I'mabout to use it as a text for an on-site summer course:it's a tried andtrue old friend.

Sets the Standard
Professor Stoddard's opus Art and Architecture in Medieval France : Medieval Architecture, Sculpture, Stained Glass, Manuscripts, the Art of the Church Treasuries is still a viable and valuable work to study for anystudent of the Gothic era. The information provided allowed me tounderstand the cathedrals of France clearly and was an indispensible aidwhen I was lucky enough to visit several of the cathedrals addressed. While not a "light" read, Dr. Stoddard is the standard for theera. I envy any student of his, those lucky gargoyles!!! ... Read more

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An illustrated architectural history of one of Halifax'sfounding structures (1749) built in the architectural traditions ofSir Christopher Wren and James Gibbs. The book is presented as acollection of historical photographs each accompanied by detaileddescriptive texts, and augmented by five interpretative essays. ... Read more

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Sets out to discover why churches occupy the sites they do, and how these places were selected. ... Read more

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Published in 1909 and long out of print, The Thousand and One Churches remains a seminal study of the postclassical monuments of Anatolia. Now a new generation of readers can learn of the extensive remains of the sprawling early Christian site known as Binbirkilise ("Thousand and One Churches," near Konya), excavated by Ramsay and Bell in 1907. The book provides extensive analysis of other early Christian and Byzantine sites across Anatolia that Bell visited at that time. Because many of the monuments have long since disappeared, this documentation is now invaluable, and Bell's extensive photographs provide a unique view of travel and archaeology more than a century ago.

For this new edition more than 250 high-quality digitized images from the Gertrude Bell Archive at Newcastle University (UK) replace the original illustrations, and the editors' Foreword lays out the historical and cultural context for the undertaking. Ousterhout and Jackson recount the lives and careers of the two authors and the tale of their collaboration on the excavation and subsequent book.

Publication was supported by a grant from the Joukowsky Family Foundation.

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For the first time, instructors of medieval architecture have a selective survey that eliminates the need to piece together teaching material from several sources.Medieval Architecture in Western Europe: From A.D. 300 to 1500 presents a selection of major monuments of medieval European architecture in a single volume.

Beginning with a study ofstructural antecedents found in late Roman architecture, the author examines early Christian borrowings and transformations and representative types of Byzantine buildings. Subsequent chapters cover the development of the monastic complex, traditional forms of northern timber construction, and the contributions of the Carolingian and Ottonian empires.Spanish structures from the seventh century through the tenth century set the stage for the development of the Romanesque style, examined in its various regional manifestations.After identifying the structural sources of Gothic architecture, the author presents the evolving regional Gothic styles, late Gothic elaborations and innovations, and representative types of secular architecture.The text concludes with an informative chapter on medieval building practices and the tradition of the master mason.

Medieval Architecture in Western Europe: From A.D. 300 to 1500 is thoroughly illustrated with plans, sections, diagrams, and photographs, and also includes an IBM-compatible CD-ROM, featuring over 860 supplementary views and details of the buildings discussed, all in color. Filling the gap between general surveys of architectural history and specialized works on specific periods and regions, this book is ideal for introductory courses in medieval architecture but will also appeal to any reader with an interest in the European Middle Ages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The most complete book of its kind
As a student in Professor Calkin's Medieval Architecture course at Cornell, I have found this book to be an invaluable resource. Professor Calkins has intimate knowledge of all of the buildings described, and themajority of the photos presented are his own.The book takes you frompre-Christian Rome, to the Pyrenees in Catalunya, and through the Frenchcountryside as you explore every corner and hidden space of the great andlesser-known churches of Western Europe. A must for anyone who lovesarchitecture, student or not. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A little book, but a good overview of the churches in Venice
Venice is my favorite city. After my last visit, I realized I should have bought a book on churches. I was happy to find this one, which actually came from The Book Community. The book is small, and devotes about 2-4 pages to each of 53 churches. There is at least one color photograph for each church. For some churches, it's an exterior view of the building. For others, it's an image of a painting or just a photo of the interior. For the larger/more important churches, there might be several pictures. There is at least one page of text for each church. The book is organized by sestiere (Santa Croce, San Polo, etc). So as you go from page to page, you move through the different sections of the city. ... Read more

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From the golden age of American architecture comes this splendid survey, documenting scores of masterpieces built between 1900 and 1930. Designs of the highest quality and most originality, chosen by a jury of distinguished architects, represent the greatest achievements in memorials, museums, churches, and more. Each structure is introduced with notes from its architect; more than 260 illustrations include plans, sections, exterior and interior details, and photographs. A sampling of featured buildings (and architects) include: Lincoln Memorial (Henry Bacon), Boston Public Library (McKim, Mead & White), Tribune Tower (John Mead Howells and Raymond M. Hood), Woolworth Building (Cass Gilbert), and The Temple of the Scottish Rite (John Russell Pope).
... Read more

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The early churches of New England hold a special place in the American consciousness, revered for their physical beauty, simplicity, and elegance and for their role in the early history of this country. Places of worship they were and are, but they are also icons of a particularly American sensibility and artistic vision.

Photographer Steve Rosenthal has traveled throughout the northeast capturing the gems of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and tracing the evolution of church styles from the early, dramatically simple meetinghouse form through the changing patterns of Greek and Gothic revivals. His photographs capture the intrinsic beauty of the architecture while creating a world of rich order and rational light. He has frozen in time the New England buildings that may soon be—or have already been—lost in a chaotic, contemporary world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Steve Rosenthal."White on White".

This is a superb collection of photographs taken by Rosenthal over a number of years of various white-painted churches in New England.
He knows his subject, has been looking and photographing these delightful buildings with an architect's eye and a great photographer's skill.
It's a superb collection - every page could be mounted and framed - the entirety making up a gallery show of quality.
It's more than a coffee-table book. It's a visit to a collection of visual art by a photographer who knows his stuff.

Get your eyeglasses!
This is a beautiful collection of black & white photos of churches throughout New England. Many of the pictures just capture a corner of a building or an old door, so if you're looking for the traditional pictures of churches you may be disappointed. The play on light says a lot about the photographers' skills, capturing the many colors of white on white (perfect name for the book). Note the book's size, it's huge. The only negative comment is the gray lettering. I bought this for my elderly father and even I had trouble reading the very light, small gray print which defines each photo. I also would have liked to know a little history about each church pictured.

A real work of art!
What a magnificent collection of black and white photographs of New England churches!Simply breathtaking and almost surreal in the way in which Steve Rosenthal has captured the architectural beauty and spiritual essence of each house of worship.The man is a genius!A real work of art!

' White On White 'Among the finest
With this truly superlative book, Steve Rosenthal's mastery of the medium of large format B&W photography is evident from cover to cover. Every image is a stunner, so brilliantly conceived and executed that the term 'definitive' easily comes to mind.This book certainly belongs in the library of anyone interested in Fine Art imagery.........S. F. Wood

Immaculate, luminous, and transcendent
Beyond architectural photography, beyond the expected charm of a white church in a lovely setting, Steve Rosenthal has captured the essence of these New England churches in rich and astonishing clarity.With a nearly tactile quality, enhanced by the extraordinary size of the book and lusciousness of the paper, these images convey not only the detail, ornament, and structure of these special buildings, but also the way in which the buildings emphatically capture and define the space they occupy. No human appears in any photograph, leaving one with a sense of discovery and suspended animation.Patterns of windows open and closed, reflections in glass, the pure curve of a simple handrail, the riot of shingle patterns -- each image speaks volumes of the people who built these churches, and the communities they housed and anchored.

Framed beautifully with an eloquent essay by Verlyn Klinkenborg and an illuminating afterword by Robert Campbell, the churches are allowed to speak for themselves.An all-too-brief note from the photographer is balanced with an informative section of notes on the churches' histories, a short bibliography, and a very long list of acknowledgements.

As a student of architecture, I find the subjects -- the luscious details, the church buildings, and the quality of "place" they create -- to be endlessly fascinating. As a photographer, I am in awe of the precise, creative compositions and the technical quality of the images.As a book-lover, I delight in this book's restrained, elegant design.As a human, my spirit is lifted and calmed by this generous body of work. ... Read more