Product Description

For the first time, instructors of medieval architecture have a selective survey that eliminates the need to piece together teaching material from several sources.Medieval Architecture in Western Europe: From A.D. 300 to 1500 presents a selection of major monuments of medieval European architecture in a single volume.

Beginning with a study of structural antecedents found in late Roman architecture, the author examines early Christian borrowings and transformations and representative types of Byzantine buildings. Subsequent chapters cover the development of the monastic complex, traditional forms of northern timber construction, and the contributions of the Carolingian and Ottonian empires. Spanish structures from the seventh century through the tenth century set the stage for the development of the Romanesque style, examined in its various regional manifestations. After identifying the structural sources of Gothic architecture, the author presents the evolving regional Gothic styles, late Gothic elaborations and innovations, and representative types of secular architecture. The text concludes with an informative chapter on medieval building practices and the tradition of the master mason.

Medieval Architecture in Western Europe: From A.D. 300 to 1500 is thoroughly illustrated with plans, sections, diagrams, and photographs, and also includes an IBM-compatible CD-ROM, featuring over 860 supplementary views and details of the buildings discussed, all in color. Filling the gap between general surveys of architectural history and specialized works on specific periods and regions, this book is ideal for introductory courses in medieval architecture but will also appeal to any reader with an interest in the European Middle Ages.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #147466 in Books
• Published on: 1998-03-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 352 pages

Review
"This survey of 1200 years of Western medieval architecture will become a standard introductory text. Calkin's concise descriptions of individual monuments will expand students' understanding and appreciation of the subject. The book offers a remarkable overview of the diversity of building in the period. The photographs and ground plans provide superb visual documentation."--Deborah Kahn, Boston University

"Fills a gap that has existed for quite some time. The monuments are judiciously selected, and the material is up to date for a survey. The CD is great for our electronic classroom."--Harry Titus, Wake Forest University

"Clear, compact exposition, well chosen illustrations, clearly reproduced, splendid bibliography. I like the support given by the footnotes, which will encourage further reading."--John M. Schnurrenberg, University of Alabama at Birmingham

About the Author

Robert G. Calkins is a History of Art Professor at Cornell University. He has considerable experience with medieval architecture, having written two other books on this subject, Monuments of Medieval Art and Illuminated Books of the Middle Ages.

Customer Reviews

The most complete book of its kind
As a student in Professor Calkin's Medieval Architecture course at Cornell, I have found this book to be an invaluable resource. Professor Calkins has intimate knowledge of all of the buildings described, and the majority of the photos presented are his own. The book takes you from pre-Christian Rome, to the Pyrenees in Catalunya, and through the French countryside as you explore every corner and hidden space of the great and lesser-known churches of Western Europe. A must for anyone who loves architecture, student or not.