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Early Medieval Architecture
The early middle ages were an exciting period in the history of European architecture, culminating in the development of the Romanesque style. Major architectural innovations were made during this time including the medieval castle, the church spire, and the monastic cloister. By avoiding the traditional emphasis on chronological development, Roger Stalley provides a radically new approach to the subject, exploring issues and themes rather than sequences and dates. In addition to analysing the language of the Romanesque, the book examines the engineering achievements of the builders, focusing on how the great monuments of the age were designed and constructed. Ranging from Gotland to Apulia, Stalley explores the richness and variety of European architecture in terms of the social and religious aspirations of the time. Symbolic meanings associated with architecture are also thoroughly investigated. Written with style and humour, the lively text includes many quotations from ancient sources, providing fascinating insight into the way that medieval buildings were created, and in the process enlivening study of this period.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 20, 2019
This book provides a more detailed overview of early medieval architecture and asks the question as to how Roman was Romanesque architecture in it's origins and developments.
The book takes a measured look at many different facets of the architecture, from the developments of early Christian basilicas through the Carolingian Renaissance and to the gradual emergence of the Gothic.
It also looks at the role of patrons and builders from across (western) Europe during the medieval period and considers the varying levels of influence of sponsors of great architectural works, the regions in which they were built and the people who designed and built them. The language of the architecture and the influence of monasticism, as well as the diversity across the continent are considered in later chapters.
The book has received some criticism for a focus on religious and western European buildings. The concentration on the former is somewhat understandable - the great cathedrals, minsters and monasteries of the medieval period are by and large all that survives, and where there are a few exceptions the author does look at how the Romanesque style flourished there and how it developed particulars in style to the required purpose. The section of the development of castle keeps and in particular Conisbrough Castle, near to where I write, is very good.
As for the focus on western Europe - I'm inclined to say that this is because the author is writing from a western European perspective and with some belief that the greater proportion of architecture built in this style in the period survive largely in western Europe. However, I recognise my knowledge of the subject is limited and acknowledge that there is little discussion or consideration given to countries to the east of Germany and in the southern eastern Europe.
Published as part of the Oxford History of Art series, this is not coffee table fair and can be quite a dense read. It would be an ideal primer for undergraduate students or someone looking to gain a first insight into the subject matter. In that respect the comments on here that this book requires supplementation, do apply for those studying the subject in more depth.
Overall though, it is s a decent and detailed enough read for those looking for an introduction to the subject matter.
The book takes a measured look at many different facets of the architecture, from the developments of early Christian basilicas through the Carolingian Renaissance and to the gradual emergence of the Gothic.
It also looks at the role of patrons and builders from across (western) Europe during the medieval period and considers the varying levels of influence of sponsors of great architectural works, the regions in which they were built and the people who designed and built them. The language of the architecture and the influence of monasticism, as well as the diversity across the continent are considered in later chapters.
The book has received some criticism for a focus on religious and western European buildings. The concentration on the former is somewhat understandable - the great cathedrals, minsters and monasteries of the medieval period are by and large all that survives, and where there are a few exceptions the author does look at how the Romanesque style flourished there and how it developed particulars in style to the required purpose. The section of the development of castle keeps and in particular Conisbrough Castle, near to where I write, is very good.
As for the focus on western Europe - I'm inclined to say that this is because the author is writing from a western European perspective and with some belief that the greater proportion of architecture built in this style in the period survive largely in western Europe. However, I recognise my knowledge of the subject is limited and acknowledge that there is little discussion or consideration given to countries to the east of Germany and in the southern eastern Europe.
Published as part of the Oxford History of Art series, this is not coffee table fair and can be quite a dense read. It would be an ideal primer for undergraduate students or someone looking to gain a first insight into the subject matter. In that respect the comments on here that this book requires supplementation, do apply for those studying the subject in more depth.
Overall though, it is s a decent and detailed enough read for those looking for an introduction to the subject matter.
June 12, 2012
More like skimmed ... a good look at church architecture, with a few secular buildings thrown in for comparison, but rather dry and lacking in period illustrations. There is a nice detail of the Saint Gall plan, though, in color.
August 2, 2011
A good overview of Romanesque architecture, but never goes into detail about most of the buildings. Requires heavy supplementation.
February 18, 2015
Boring, interesting information scattered across endless chapters, not a trace of Eastern Europe. At least it's not just sacred architecture.
September 22, 2022
A very well-explained analysis of Romanesque, not the most cumulative but it certainly does its maximum for its number of pages. The text was clear and precise but not unnecessary heavy. I appreciated the context explanation. One minor downfall was the placement of imagery as sometimes there were gaps between the text and referenced picture while sometime there wasn't. Overall I enjoyed reading it as it had a strong character of world building.
December 5, 2025
I remember enjoying Stalley
March 18, 2007
A good survey of Medieval architecture
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews