Hagia Sophia: Architecture, Structure, and Liturgy of Justinian's Great Church [Paperback]

Rowland J. Mainstone (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0500279454 | ISBN-13: 978-0500279458 | Publication Date: May 2002

Justinian's Great Church in Constantinople was the culminating architectural achievement of late antiquity and the first great masterpiece of the Byzantine world. For over 900 years it was Christendom's grandest place of worship, and, for most of this time, the seat of the Orthodox patriarch and a principal setting for imperial ceremonies. After the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans, for almost 500 years more it was one of the most important mosques of Istanbul. Its influence was widespread and lasting, both architecturally and liturgically. Rowland Mainstone draws on 30 years of study, detailed observations and critical reading of the historic source material, to present this authoritative account of the genesis and development of the designs of the church's building, and of the principal subsequent changes. His descriptions are geared towards bringing alive the achievement of an unprecedentedly ambitious project for which there were no drawings, building accounts or similar historic records. Dr Mainstone's plans, drawings and photographs complement the text.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Certainly no serious student of architectural history can afford to ignore this book. -- RSA Journal

Mainstone has succeeded in bringing together a book that will appeal to both the specialist and the generalist -- Art Documentation

The fullest account yet of the great church's structure. -- Choice

Will appeal to both the specialist and the generalist...compelling...essential. -- Art Documentation

About the Author

Rowland J. Mainstone is the distinguished author of Developments in Structural Form and numerous other publications.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (May 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500279454
• ISBN-13: 978-0500279458
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,104,578 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent text, fine illustrations, but bad binding, March 12, 2001

By 

Max A. Wickert (Buffalo, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hagia Sophia: Architecture, Structure, and Liturgy of Justinian's Great Church (Paperback)

Exaustively researched, excruciatingly detailed, and competently illustrated, this is still the best book I know on the subject, although an update to include color illustrations would much improve it. However, the paperback binding is sadly inadequate--my copy fell apart when I opened it...

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a must for ecclesial, historical and architectural buffs., October 23, 1998

By 

Fr. Dennis Brickle ([e-mail]) (Macon, GA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hagia Sophia: Architecture, Structure, and Liturgy of Justinian's Great Church (Paperback)

A bit technical at times but very interesting overall. Excellent photos and elevations. Plus shows how the Church was originally appointed for Orthodox/Catholic Christian sacred use. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Almost a top-notch book, October 24, 2004

By 

Mayor of Tateville (Northern Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hagia Sophia: Architecture, Structure, and Liturgy of Justinian's Great Church (Paperback)

This is one of the most thorough books about the Hagia Sophia church ever printed. However, it lacked a few important things. First, it would be better as a hardcover. Second, it could have used some 3d renderings of what Justinian's church looked like before the Ottoman conquest. Finally, ALL the pictures are in BLACK AND WHITE! Still a good buy, but do your best to get it at a deal.