Monasteries: Places of Spirituality and Seclusion Around the World

by Markus Hattstein

Immerse yourself in the mysterious cosmos of the monastic world. Monasteries are places of spirituality, closely binding faith and learning. This book examines the traditions of Christian; Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic monastic architecture from its early beginnings to the present. In introducing the world of the monasteries with its unique artistic and architectural forms, this book asks such questions as what were the rules that governed life in the monasteries and convents? What were the ideals that inspired - and continue to inspire - the form taken by monastic buildings?

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Art

207 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2010

About the author

Markus Hattstein has studied early cultures and their secrets for over 30 years.
He has studied sociology, philosophy, religion, and theology. He has written various books in the field of architecture, history of art.
Today he lives in Berlin as a freelance author, lecturer, and editor.

Reviews

[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quality pictures and interesting historical architectural information. This books is focus on the building itself, not the religion or cult. It present monasteries/church from various religion, mostly Christianity from Europe, but we go a bit in Asia and Arabic world. Specific subject, but I always, and even more recently, have kind of a fascination for those places and this recluse way of life. I would be really curious to try living it, for a couple of months or even a year...

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for research for my next novel and it has just what I needed: Beautiful photographs with enough information about the history of the buildings.

[William Nist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some beautiful photographs of monasteries around the world. There is an emphasis on Benedictine houses, but mendicant and canonical houses are also addressed. The text is basically short histories of the houses. This is not meant to be a comprehensive survey of all monasteries, but a carefully selected representative sample of world monastic houses. I enjoyed the tour, especially of the western institutions.

[Claire Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great look at the different Monasteries across the world and through the different eras, good knowledge by Author and some great pictures too

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures.

[Kathy Sebesta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photos - of monasteries, of course - are good but not great. The accompanying text is just enough to make to you wonder about the various religions and sects, but not enough to send you looking for more information. Vaguely unsatisfying.