Churches: Explore the Symbols, Learn the Language and Discover the History [Hardcover]

Timothy Brittain-Catlin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2008

Churches and cathedrals contain a wealth of fascinating architectural detail as well as symbols that are often hard to interpret. This insightful guide explores the extraordinary richness and diversity of features common to churches and cathedrals and explains their meaning as well as their significance to the building as a whole. The defining characteristics of key architectural eras over the centuries are also identified, including Norman, gothic, and classical. Whether a tiny parish church or a grand cathedral, this is the perfect resource for appreciating the traditions, meanings, and beauty of these important and sacred buildings.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Timothy Brittain-Catlin contributes to Architectural Review and World of Interiors. He is the author of Collins Gem Architecture and Collins Need to Know? How to Read a Building.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins UK; First Edition edition (October 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007263066
• ISBN-13: 978-0007263066
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,367,618 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Full Introduction to Churches, February 19, 2010

By 

V. Shipmaker (Toronto Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Churches: Explore the Symbols, Learn the Language and Discover the History (Hardcover)

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!