Gothic Architecture

by Paul Frankl, Paul Crossley

This magisterial study of Gothic architecture traces the meaning and development of the Gothic style through medieval churches across Europe. Ranging geographically from Poland to Portugal and from Sicily to Scotland and chronologically from 1093 to 1530, the book analyzes changes from Romanesque to Gothic as well as the evolution within the Gothic style and places these changes in the context of the creative spirit of the Middle Ages.

In its breadth of outlook, its command of detail, and its theoretical enterprise, Frankl’s book has few equals in the ambitious Pelican History of Art series. It is single-minded in its pursuit of the general principles that informed all aspects of Gothic architecture and its culture. In this edition Paul Crossley has revised the original text to take into account the proliferation of recent literature—books, reviews, exhibition catalogues, and periodicals—that have emerged in a variety of languages. New illustrations have also been included.

Genres: Architecture, History, Nonfiction, Art, Gothic

408 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

Reviews

[Wakko · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's fun to read about the history of Gothic architecture alongside the gothic images. I can see were Bloodborne got some of its inspiration from, which is quite a testament to how influential the cathedrals and churches of the past were.

[Jayme Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking great information about Gothic Architecture and want full color images, this is the textbook for you. Warning, it's pretty big.

[Craig W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gothic churches of Europe have fascinated generations. Although there is sparse contemporary documentation of how this style arose and developed, the literature of the history of Gothic architecture is large and contentious. Frankl’s book (as revised by Paul Crossley) stands out from its peers, not so much because it contains definitive answers, which it does not, but because of the detailed photographs and drawings that illustrate the problems being solved by the Gothic and the development of the style developed from the 12th through 16th centuries. The material is arranged chronologically, which clarifies how features developed, but make it challenging to understand any single church building. Because many churches were modified over time, no church is described entirely in one place, but rather individual features are described in the applicable time sequence.

Frankl spends considerable time trying to infer the aesthetic principles that motivated the development of the Gothic style. This can seem sensible at times, as in, “In the Romanesque we find spatial addition, opposition of forces, and a predominance of frontal views. In the Gothic style we are faced with spatial division, the smooth flow of forces, and a predominance of diagonal views.” Or it can be mind bending, as in “Mathematically speaking, it makes no difference whether the planes of the relief stand one in front of the other or one behind the other. Aesthetically speaking however, the only valid statement in considering Gothic buildings is to say that the planes stand one in front of the other.”

To be honest, I was unable to digest the entire text. I did complete the sections on the early history and transition from Romanesque to Gothic as well as the extended and helpful Introduction by Paul Crossley. This book is probably useful mostly as a reference book for the general reader, though it is clearly a must read for those who are making a deep study of Gothic architecture.

[Daniel Ramírez Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It had a good explanation of each picture.

[Jessica]

An incredible resource. Beautiful diagrams. Detailed text that can be skimmed if necessary. Unrated because it deserves five stars, but I reserve those for books that are personally life changing.