The Rhine [Hardcover]

Roland Recht (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2001

From its twin sources in high Swiss alps to its delta in the North Sea, the Rhine is Europe's most important river - historically, culturally and artistically. Flowing majestically through the continent, it serves as a boundary between nations and a unifying force, timelessly conveying both spiritual currents and merchandise and inspiring pilgrims, painters, sculptors, architects, poets, writers and composers. This superb panorama of the Rhine's artistic landscape shows the river and the cities, villages, cathedrals, monasteries and castles that abound along its course in all their true magnificence. World-renowned masterpieces of painting (such as Grunewald's Isenheim Altarpiece), sculpture (the Breisach Altar) and goldsmiths' work (the Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne) are among the astonishing variety of treasures in every field of art, all gloriously illustrated and knowledgeably described in their historical, art historical and geographical context. For the armchair traveller and connoisseur who wishes to indulge in all that this great river has to offer, no journey could be more rewarding.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Categorizing this handsome volume presents a challenge. While definitely an excellent pretrip resource for those planning a visit to Germany along the Rhine River, it is also a complete and scholarly treatment of the art, architecture, history, landscape, and geography of the Rhine, from its origins in Switzerland to its final destination at the Rhine delta in Holland. Recht (art history, Marc-Bloch Univ., Strasbourg) starts with a discursive history of the development of the culture along the Rhine and also offers a useful discussion of the Rhine's place in European and especially British imagination. He then discusses main historical attractions along the Rhine in such cities as Strasbourg, Colmar, Cologne, Worms, and Heidelberg. The magnificent color photographs of the landscape, artworks, statuary, churches, cathedrals, and castles document the rich legacy of the area. Ancillary materials include excellent indexes of people and places, ground plans for the main churches and cathedrals described, and comprehensive maps. Definitely recommended for larger art history or travel collections as well as collections specializing in German culture and history. Olga B. Wise, Compaq Computer Corp., Austin, TX
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Roland Recht has been Professor of Art History at the Marc-Bloch University in Strasbourg since 1993. He is the author of numerous scholarly books, particularly on late Gothic art of the Upper Rhine.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (November 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 050051058X
• ISBN-13: 978-0500510582
• Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 9.7 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #87,414 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #77 in Books > Travel > Reference & Tips > Tourist Destinations & Museums

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cycling the Rhein, March 24, 2002

By 

Robert A. Smith (Westchester, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Rhine (Hardcover)

In June of 2000 I cycled 750 miles in Germany along the rivers Mainz, Rhein (Bingen to Koblenz), Mosel and Saar.
In preperation for a cycling trip along the length of the Rhein I purchased this book for use as a resource to guide me through my journey.
While I thought this would be a great travel tool I had no idea how much insight it would provide in the way of history, culture, art and the sights the towns and villages along the river had to offer. While the Library Journal review expresses all of this, words alone can not describe what this book has to offer.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rhine, January 23, 2008

By 

W. K. James - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Rhine (Hardcover)

The Rhine

This book is well worth the cost. It gives great current information, detail and pictures of various Rhine River destinations with their history. The only downside is this book is heavy. I think you would call this book a "Coffee Table Book". Buy it anyway, you won't be disappointed.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Ecclesiastical Rhine, July 18, 2009

By 

Nancy M. MacKenzie - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Rhine (Hardcover)

The book is beautifully illustrated and goes into great detail about the many churches and cathedrals along the Rhine. There is, however, very little about the castles that line the Rhine and practically nothing about other buildings. One would think that the old Germans did not live in permanent dwellings but only spent their time praying in church. A Really Good map would be appreciated. Going by the book, absolutely nothing of notice has happened along the Rhine since the 18th or 19th century.