Notre-Dame of Paris: The Biography of a Cathedral

by Allan Temko

With more than 60 photographs, 10 plans and drawings, genealogies, chronological charts, bibliography, helpful index.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, France, Architecture

343 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 1955

Reviews

[Rrlgrrl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an interesting mix of history, religion, and architectural analysis. The photographs in the book are nice, but it would have better if each chapter, which focused on different parts of the cathedral, had accompanying pictures to explain some of the architectural details and terminology. The history focused more on the building of the cathedral, rather than spanning all the centuries of its existence. While it is interesting to read about how it was built, piece by piece, only the last chapter was devoted to the later centuries and what happened to the cathedral. I'm sure there are more thorough histories of the building, but regardless, it was an interesting read on how such structures were built in the Middle Ages.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a historical examination of the building of Cathedrals focused, of course, on Notre-Dame of Paris, associated religious beliefs and politics. Money can buy anything except beauty, strength and happiness. Mais où sont les neiges d’antan? An interesting examination of things French. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and recommend it to persons interested in the human condition.

[James Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sub-titled "The Biography of a Cathedral", Allan Temko's book spans two centuries of Medieval France. These centuries saw the Gothic established in all of Europe, and the great Cathedral of Paris was the embodiment of that age. This story is at once historic, biographical, social, and artistic. It is the story of the bishops who dedicated their lives to its creation; of the builders and the people who gave of themselves; of the daring experiments in engineering which introduced a new conception; of the growing identification with the cult of Mary, its symbolism, its power, its direction. Using the shadowy records of early Paris, the author tells of the origins in the first places of worship in the Ile de France, the pagan gods of the conquered Gauls, the Roman gods, and the slow acceptance of primitive Christianity. Dim evidence exists, indicating the pattern of earlier churches, basilicas, a Cathedral, finally the first Notre Dame. From 1120 -- about the date when Maurice of Sully was born, the facts begin to establish themselves, the chronology, the details were recorded. And to the lowly born Maurice, ultimately to become Bishop of Paris, goes credit for building Notre Dame. Even though some parts were unfinished, other parts rebuilt and additions made contribute to the time span, but the cathedral in its essence was ninety years in the building.
Its final glory was achieved when the sainted Louis was king. The pageantry of Paris was background; the Middle Ages come to life in these pages. The history is often detailed, possibly overly technical for many readers. However, its fascination, its imaginative sweep charmed this reader. I was reminded of Henry Adams' Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres as the book parallels that masterpiece in its own way. This history is an exciting reading experience.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely enjoyable story, and it is that, of Notre-Dame of Paris. Architectural detail linked with the fascinating history of France. As close to a can't-put-down book as a book of non-fiction can be.

[Gilbert Wesley Purdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost as good as Adams's Mont Saint Michel Chartres. I love this kind of book. Rich with the fine detail of history.