Romanesque: Towns, Cathedrals and Monasteries (Taschen's World Architecture) [Hardcover]

Xavier Barral I Altet (Author), Xavier Barral I Altet (Author), Henri Stierlin (Editor), Anne Stierlin (Photographer), Claude Huber (Photographer)

Book Description

Series: Taschen's World Architecture | Publication Date: November 1, 1998

Originated by art theorists in the Nineteenth Century, the term "Romanesque" refers to a school of religious architecture and design from the early medieval period. As with all terms that attempt to summarise an epoch, "Romanesque" artificially constructs the notion of one unified style, but as this book makes clear, the Romanesque tendency consisted of many different, eclectic characteristics. The investigation back through time leads us across the ancient pilgrim routes of the Pyrenees, and then into a vast range of devotional structures -churches, tombs, monuments, cathedrals and basilicas. Each one carries its own regional imprint and spiritual iconography. Containing rigorously detailed and comprehensive insights into all aspects of Romanesque symbolism and ritual, this book includes analysis of liturgical equipment, and explores the significance of many features of the buildings. A fascinating, mystical quest that forms the second volume in this acclaimed series on Medieval architecture.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Taschen; 1st Ed. edition (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3822872016
• ISBN-13: 978-3822872017
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9.5 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #833,029 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best architecture books I've seen!, April 13, 2000

By 

J. D. Rose (Utah, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Romanesque: Towns, Cathedrals and Monasteries (Taschen's World Architecture) (Hardcover)

As a student of cathedral and church architecture, I found this book to be highly informative, yet readable and engaging. The author's introduction to the subject evidences excellent research, and as the book progresses each subject is treated with admirable detail. The photographs are exquisite- each subject is shown from the best possible vantage point. The pivotal churches of St. Sernin in Toulouse and Ste. Foy in Conques are discussed in detail. This treatise is one of the best of its kind- a purchase that you will not regret.