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Cathedrals: Masterpieces of Architecture, Feats of Engineering, Icons of Faith
The acclaimed best-selling author and popular historian explores the history of Europe via its cathedrals.
Beautifully illustrated with color photographs throughout, this joyous exploration of the history of Western civilization showcases the cathedral’s central role in the European imagination. A masterful writer, Jenkins tells the stories behind these stone the architects that made them possible, the triumphs of engineering, the artists who enriched their décor, and the inevitable human follies of those who were involved in their building, from the artisans and workers to the wealthy donors and the faithful who worshipped beneath their soaring spires and majestic domes.
Simon Jenkins is the critically acclaimed, award-winning author of best-selling works that make history accessible. Blending insight and authority with personal reflections and experiences, he deftly reveals the history, design, and significance of each of these enduring monuments to the human spirit from popular favorites like St. Paul’s and the Duomo in Florence to less well-known masterpieces well worth a trip. Europe’s cathedrals are treasure troves of art and repositories of history that attract hundreds or thousands of visitors every year.
Beautifully illustrated with color photographs throughout, this joyous exploration of the history of Western civilization showcases the cathedral’s central role in the European imagination. A masterful writer, Jenkins tells the stories behind these stone the architects that made them possible, the triumphs of engineering, the artists who enriched their décor, and the inevitable human follies of those who were involved in their building, from the artisans and workers to the wealthy donors and the faithful who worshipped beneath their soaring spires and majestic domes.
Simon Jenkins is the critically acclaimed, award-winning author of best-selling works that make history accessible. Blending insight and authority with personal reflections and experiences, he deftly reveals the history, design, and significance of each of these enduring monuments to the human spirit from popular favorites like St. Paul’s and the Duomo in Florence to less well-known masterpieces well worth a trip. Europe’s cathedrals are treasure troves of art and repositories of history that attract hundreds or thousands of visitors every year.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published April 5, 2022
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About the author
Simon Jenkins
102 books109 followersSir Simon David Jenkins, FSA, FRSL is the author of the international bestsellers England’s Thousand Best Churches and England’s Thousand Best Houses, the former editor of The Times and Evening Standard and a columnist for the Guardian. He is chairman of the National Trust.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 18, 2025
I would have liked more pictures and less of the author's random stories of his impressions of the cathedrals. At times his non-Christian and even non-(anti?) Catholic bias comes through, though that is minimal. The cathedrals are stunning but I'd have taken more history, more pictures, or less rambling to improve the book.
June 30, 2025
A beautiful compilation of photography and text on one of my favorite topics--cathedrals! I especially enjoyed the coverage of Britain and Spain, as I've been to several Jenkins highlighted in both sections; brought back many fond memories.
January 1, 2026
Many more pictures would have been nice…. I wonder how many of these have been burned now….
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews