The Gothic Cathedral

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 book is well written, great information and photo's

Very detailed and too much info on pure, dry architecture. I don't think I will finish this one. It's a hard read, and not enough easy illustrations. It's very detailed but probablyof more interest to the real architect.

What a magnificent book. After being totally enthralled with Pillars of the Earth (in book and TV movie), my husband was surprised and thrilled to receive this book. It's educational and beautifully portrays the unbelievable architecture of the past centuries. A truly worthy addition to our historical library.

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

Excellent condition!

This book was required for a medieval architecture course I took. It contains an intense density of information, but is a rather dry read.

Good content. Turgid prose.

This is a very comprehensive book. In fact for somebody like me, who is just starting out discovering the wonders of medieval cathedrals it's a bit heavy going and technical. So I've only been dipping in and out of it to see what it says about the cathedrals I've visited. But I am sure that it will meet my needs in the future when my knowledge of the subject has expanded. For beginners I recommend the smaller and more readable book "The Cathedral Builders of the Middle Ages". In addition, you should view 3 brilliant documentaries on the subject: "Building the Greatest Cathedrals/NOVA" and "Cathedral by David Macaulay/PBS" - both available on YouTube, and "The Medieval Mind: How to Build a Medieval Cathedral" available on www.dailymotion.com.

Although focusing on cathedrals there was crucial consideration of a number greater churches of all sorts including large urban parish churches which gave this book a broader coverage of one of Europe's most astonishing and powerful periods of architecture. Very well written and illustrated.

All photograps are black and white which a big NO NO for me as a 1st year art history student who needs to clearly see all parts of buildings and grayscale colours only blends it all together.

A very in depth book concentrating more on French cathedrals, and only touching on a few English ones. Obviously very thoroughly researched - proabably more of interest to Architects.

Without doubt, a very full and authoritative guide on such a vast subject. Perhaps a little heavy-going for the newcomer. The book would have benefited from having had colour photographs, which would have done the stained-glass windows proper justice.