Passion for Compasses: Medieval Master Builders and their Cathedral Building Plans

by Sonja Ulrike Klug

The architectural history of the Middle Ages is full of surprisesIt is hard to imagine today that relatively few construction plans have been found for the impressive churches and cathedrals of the Romanesque and Gothic periods. Where did most of the drawings go? Were the plans destroyed in Europe or lost over time? Or were they never made at all?Although there are very few architectural drawings, there were numerous compasses. What were they used for and how? Was it possible to design complex buildings such as churches and cathedrals without blueprints?

The author takes the readers on an exciting cultural and historical journey through timeShe looks at the spread of papyrus, parchment and paper and traces the ability to write and calculate in Europe. She also looks at the construction process in historical illustrations and draws comparisons with Arabic architecture. Finally, the author presents the various types of compasses that were available and explains how the drawing skills of master builders developed up to the Renaissance.

These insights into the history of architecture lead to some surprising Architects of the Middle Ages thought and planned very differently from how we think today.

Dr. Sonja Ulrike Klug has been studying medieval architecture for over 20 years. She has published several books on Gothic cathedrals.

Press Reviews about the German original edition of this "Despite the demanding content the book is written in an understandable and entertaining way. Klug argues convincingly, using numerous quotations and examples to make her train of thought clear. Illustrations provide additional clarity." (blog.histofact.de)

"The book is not only interesting for experts, but for any reader who is enthusiastic about medieval architecture and history.” (nightshade-magazin.de)

Genres: Medieval, Architecture, History, Engineering

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2024

Reviews

[Astor Teller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It’s easy to take letters and numbers for granted in our literate society, and the assumption that people always have had these mental tools at hand. So we assume that the medieval cathedrals had blueprints they were built after, but somehow they all got lost over time. The author takes a very readable dive to show us that there might not have been any blueprints at all, as they wouldn’t be of much use to an mostly illiterate society, where the few books were written in Latin and not the vernacular, paper (which we take for granted) hadn’t arrived yet, parchments were very expensive, and the Roman numbering system without zeros (and mathematically unfriendly), were still in use.

I enjoyed this book, and found the author’s findings believable as she explained them in a succinct and convincing way, starting out with what materials were at hand in the period. This book is also a good reminder to our society steeped in information technology and fast communication, showing that an illiterate society isn’t necessarily inferior to ours, but different in its mindset. The author picks up findings from a wide spectrum, compasses found in Pompey, to the study of oral societies by Walter J. Ong.

If you want to think about what you read and get some new perspectives, this book should find its way to your lap.

[Ricky Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

​This book is absolutely fascinating. It tackles the riveting topic of how medieval master builders planned magnificent cathedrals, focusing on the role of compasses rather than the blueprints we'd expect today. The book is scholarly, well-researched and very thorough. What I appreciated most is that it's not overly technical; it's engaging for anyone interested in medieval history or architecture. The drawings, pictures, and illustrations are plentiful and extremely helpful for visualizing the concepts. This book is awesome and should be seen as the landmark authority on this fascinating subject.

[Jessica Hembree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never thought that a ‘book about compasses’ would rate so high on my list… this book was astonishing. It is so much more than just architecture. It’s a history of culture, language, paper, writing, and more. I never would have thought that there was a ‘lack of blueprints’ or any similar issue with the written record of how buildings were planned. Very interesting! I will probably never look at a compass quite the same as before.

[Artur Swiatek]

I didn’t expect to like Passion for Compasses as much as I did—it’s kinda weird but in a good way. The author mixes geography, memory, and emotion like they’re all parts of the same map. I loved the slow, reflective tone and how every chapter felt like tracing a new direction in life. Sometimes it got a bit too abstract and I had to reread a few lines to get it, but it still pulled me in. If you enjoy introspective, poetic reads that make you think (and feel), this one’s worth the trip.

[Jake'S Math · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers an intriguing exploration of how medieval cathedrals were conceived and built, even without the blueprints we rely on today. The author’s insights into the tools, geometry, and mindset of medieval master builders are fascinating and thought-provoking. A great read for anyone interested in Gothic architecture or the history of engineering.

[Cintia · Rating 4 out of 5]

cool :3