Holy Terrors: Gargoyles on Medieval Buildings (Hardcover)

by Janetta Rebold Benton (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A true gargoyle is a waterspout, an architectural necessity that medieval artisans transformed into functional fantasies. In clear, lively language, this charming survey of these mischievous creatures explains everything there is to know about their history, construction, and purposes. 109 illustrations, 108 in color.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 140 pages
• Publisher: Abbeville Press; 1st edition (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789201828
• ISBN-13: 978-0789201829
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #430,350 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #95 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Medieval
  #96 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Byzantine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A excellent book on the history and meaning behind gargoyles, July 2, 1999

By A Customer

After searching several times for a book that gives the true meaning behind what gargoyles are, and where to find them, it has been found. This book combines a great number of detailed pictures with excellent writing. Way to go Janetta Benton!!!!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accurate, In-depth, Great photos. The best of the grotesque!, January 27, 1999

By A Customer

Insightful text by an author unafraid of offering opinions and possibilities about the various uses, designs and significance of all manner of Gargoyles. Historical information on the periods, people and places in which Gargoyles dwell. Great photo's from cover to cover. Nicely organized and well written throughout.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Family Appeal, February 9, 2000

By	Mitch Evich (Somerville, Mass.) - See all my reviews

"Holy Terrors" is that rarest of books, one that is of genuine value to adults curious about art and architecture, but also very much capable of holding the interest of children. My five-year-old son loves the pictures--especially the "Hairy human with animal head" that adorns the cathedral in Burgos, Spain. We also both appreciate the excellent selection of medieval illustrations, such as Schongauer's "Temptation of Saint Anthony." Skimming through "Holy Terrors" is a fun way to introduce kids to one of the cultural treasures of Europe.