Customer Reviews

Churches

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As like Judith Dupre's other books on architecture, the physical form immediately connects you to the subject matter: "Churches" opens in the center like an ancient tabernacle, and begins it's display of remarkabley picked photos of the world's most important historic churches accompanied by a finely researched text comparable to Dupre's other literary landmarks for architecture. Each page also contains famous quotes, important first-glance facts, and a delicate strip of passages from the bible leading from one page to the next. Begining with the Pantheon, the book's historic churches are contrasted by contemporary works by architects such as Ando, Pelli, Johnson, Fay Jones, Siza, Legoretta, etc. Many of the photos themselves are historical, such as the oldest known view of Wall Street, or the opening day of the second Vatican council, to the first IKONOS image of St. Peter's Square taken 400 miles above earth. And so these extraordinary images are accompanied by fascinating stories and facts that immerse you into the voyage of humanity's unending quest in making the house of worship. "Churches" also opens with the first in-depth English interview that Mario Botta, a preeminent church-builder in Europe, has ever given. From the cover, to the endpapers, to the center's two-page lay-out of the restored Sistine Ceiling, the book is a joy to handle, and every page a joy to turn as you enter into an informative and visual journey of history's most fascinating places of worship. Thank you Ms. Dupre'!

This is a superb, very large (in both scope and physical size) work that covers the history, architecture, and social aspects of major world churches. From small chapels to huge cathdrals, this book is an explosion of color and information. Especially helpful are the "data-lines" at the bottom of each church's section, giving an 'at-a-glance' view of designer, years constructed, congregation/denomination served, etc. This book is worth the money for the lavish pictures alone. If sacred buildings call to you, then this book is for you. You'll really enjoy it.

The cover design is a vital clue to the treasure that lies within. Judith Dupre held my interest with her essays in Skyscrapers and Bridges. But, I'm enthralled with the layers of information she offers in Churches.
Her switch to color photography is appropriate for the subject. How else could we appreciate the golden glow of the mosaics in Venice's Basilica San Marco or the colorful mosaics in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis?
I'm intrigued by the choices for inclusion and am left wishing I knew about the ones that didn't make the cut.
My favorite touch -- the ticker of biblical prose and poetry running from page to page across the top edge.
My Christmas shopping is going to be very easy this year!

Anyone who has travelled, particularly through Europe, will attest to the fact there are some magnificent examples of architecture, culture and history to be found in exquisite churches. This book is a fine example of the history that has been preserved throughout the years. The reader will marvel at the unique shot of St. Peter's Square, the intricate restoration of the Sistine Ceiling and the breath-taking wonder of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Spain has, without quesion, some of the most incredible, historic churches in existence. I thought the book could have been a more conventional size in dimension. It is rather cumbersome, but overall the book is still a prime example of the elegance, grace and splendor of many impressive and majestic churches.

I own and love two earlier books by Judith Dupre ("Bridges" and "Skyscrapers") both of which include truly exceptional b/w photographs. I'd heard that she was working on "Churches" and I anticipated it to be similar to the others.

Well, in some very positive ways, it is. The degree of diligence in her research is the same. Her choice of subjects is, as before, impeccable. The quotations she includes are apt and inspire further exploration by readers. Her selection of Mario Botta, prominent Italian architect, to write the introduction was a brilliant move.

All this, and then, COLOR photos, wonderful color photos ! Upon opening this book, I felt a kinship with the discoverer of King Tut's tomb when first he laid eyes on the riches therein.

I'm looking forward to her next publication with great expectation.

A simply wonderful book! For those who love architecture and history, it is first rate - the photography is outstanding, the essays document the history and styles over a number of centuries. It is a real pleasure to just peruse the pages.

More impressive to me than the documentary aspect is the humanity found in the essays. The author maintains a thread throughout the book - that of our ever-present desire to reestablish and maintain a relationship with God. Each church has a very human story behind it, illustrating this point and bringing the often grand scale of the structure into something more relatable and meaningful.

I found the book heartening and warm. It seem particularly appropriate in these times of uncertainty. I can't recommend it enough.

A fascinating, clever book about why churches are the essence of architecture. Anyone interested in the reasons why travelers flock to churches throughout the world to view the beauty that is represented in those structures, will be unable to put this book down.

Judith Dupre has clearly done extensive research for this book. The text goes far beyond giving us the basic facts about each church. Ms. Dupre explains the history of each church that she has selected for the book in a manner that makes us understand its unique significance. I noticed that she acknowledged church staff for providing relevant (and probably elsewhere unavailable) information. The book also includes an impressive collection of photographs.

I rated this a 2 because it's a '4' for style with a 'minus 2' for being intellectually dishonest.

Dishonest - because the author has wrapped her book in examples of traditional form and beauty, but the package inside discloses an iconoclastic agenda for church architecture.

A powerful example of her iconoclasm is evident in her treatment of the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. The church is reknowned for its adornment with mosaics, yet she fails to depict or even make mention of the monumental mosaic of 'Christ in Majesty,' the largest mosaic of Christ in the world. The author's refusal to depict and discuss the architectural focal point of the basilica diminishes her own point of view.

In her narratives about her selections of modern church architecture she is always completely positive in her treatment. In contrast, her narratives about the traditional Catholic churches repeatedly include some type of negative critique of the Catholic Church or Catholic culture. As the author identifies herself as Catholic she positions herself as a sort of 'inspector general' prosecuting her own brethren.

She could never get people to publish or buy a coffee table book on modern church architecture.

So - she appropriates the beauty of the traditional Church forms - and uses that as a platform to praise formless modern churches. Some of those which she presents do have a peculiar beauty - but these typically are cold and uninviting - some are pretentious - even repulsive. The spawn of these modern archetypes are mediocre and ugly, and a typical example is her own parish church depicted at the end of her book.

In sum - the author doesn't seem to appreciate the beauty of enduring church forms - instead - she seems infatuated with the novelty of modern architecture.

This book is wonderfully done. The pictures are great, and the text is well-written and informative. The size, while rather awkward, is necessary for the beautiful photos. There is also a very handy bibliography and "webography" in the back. I only have a few complaints; none huge, but enough to knock off a star. Some featured churches should have been traded in more either a more interesting building (i.e., the Meetinghouse at Sabbathday Lake is present, but no Amiens or Notre Dame cathedrals!), or more on an especially interesting church (The cathedral of St. John the Divine could have an entire volume dedicated to it!). Also, some of the picture choices were odd. There is not a single recent picture of some of the buildings, while at least one has only paintings and no photos (and yes, the structure is still standing). The large photo of La Sagrada Familia is a bizarre composite photography that could have easily been replaced with a conventional photo. The way the book opens, while original, damages the page corners, as someone already said. My biggest complaint is that one article (St. Mary's Church) ends mid-sentence.. "For them, the". This should have been spotted by the editors.

Other than these little things, this was a great book. I encourage everyone to buy it. It's a great little coffee table attraction.