Product Description

Winner of the Runciman Award for 1989. 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, it was for almost 500 years one of the principal mosques of Istanbul. Its influence, both architecturally and liturgically, was widespread and enduring. Drawing on the work of Robert Van Nice for Dumbarton Oaks as well as on his own detailed observations and critical reading of the historical material, Rowland Mainstone's authoritative account of the church presents the genesis and development of its design and construction, the subsequent changes, and its character and influence. His evocative descriptions, complemented by specially prepared plans and drawings and superb photographs, provide a unique record of an unprecedentedly ambitious project. 305 illustrations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #824115 in Books
• Published on: 1997-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

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.

Customer Reviews

Excellent text, fine illustrations, but bad binding
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...

a must for ecclesial, historical and architectural buffs.
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.

Almost a top-notch book
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.