Chartres: Sacred Geometry, Sacred Space

by Gordon Strachan

Gordon Strachan, author of Jesus the Master Builder (Floris Books), explores the magnificent structure of Chartres Cathedral, and examines the influences on the medieval master builders.

Using Chartres as a starting point, Dr Strachan suggests that the origins of the Gothic style may lie in Islamic architecture. He goes on to consider how the experience of a particular architectural space affects us, and how sacred geometry works.

Beautifully illustrated, this is an inspiring and informative book for anyone interested in religious architecture and spirituality.

Genres: France, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Lory Hess]

I took ten days in July to visit the cathedral in Chartres. Along with simply looking, I read a number of books before, during, and after the visit, one of which was Chartres: Sacred Geometry, Sacred Space by Gordon Strachan. There was lots to ponder in this architectural-historical-geometrical-theological consideration of the great cathedral, many mysteries to be considered and often no clear answers, but an interesting case to be made for the influence of Islam on Gothic architecture, as well as some of the links to ancient Celtic sites. The author sometimes lost me with his geometrical square root calculations, but made a fascinating point about the rectangular crossing of the cathedral representing the self-denial of God (backed up by theological quotations). It gave the saying “deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me” a whole new meaning for me.

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started this book, It is amazing how much some religions influence one another. Although this book is just over a hundred pages the plates are amazing and the drawings give one alot to wonder.
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b

Excellent book,,Great spring board to more ideas ,,, ideals of thought...


View all my reviews

Chartres: Sacred Geometry, Sacred Space by Gordon Strachan




I just started this book, It is amazing how much some religions influence one another. Although this book is just over a hundred pages the plates are amazing and the drawings give one alot to wonder.

Copy/paste the below text into your blog.

b



Excellent book,,Great spring board to more ideas ,,, ideals of thought...





View all my reviews





View all my reviews

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit lacking. While a good many pages in a short book are given to explaining the construction and islamic oirgin of pointed arches, and the root three rectangle as the pattern for the space, for me the most intriguing aspect of the design of Chartres mentioned is the dual axes of the north and south spires, which the author suggests links sun moon calendrical variation and the pythagorean comma. Because he also links these things with Stonehenge, however, he mistakenly discards it as site background information and thus not worthy of the more extensive coverage he gives other topics.

His writing is unfocused and amateurish, to boot.

But some topics are covered well and it's a nicely put together book and a lovely physical experience.

[Stacey Wittig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great title, but book does not deliver the "sacred" elements promised in the description and title.