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9780892541737 English 0892541733 Cross the threshold into the world of the High Middle Ages and explore the illuminating wisdom, beauty and art of the Gothic cathedrals, stunning wonders of the medieval era for all to see today. From bejewelled stained glass windows to a pilgrimage "on the road" to Compostela, the wonders of Gothic architecture continue to inspire many worldwide.From the 12th century, the Gothic architectural style continued to spread throughout Europe. Hundreds of cathedrals and other Gothic buildings were built and remain to this day. Renowned medievalist Dr. Karen Ralls explores the legacy of this exquisite architectural period, whose artistic beauty and expert craftsmanship have served for centuries to inspire feelings of spiritual reverence and aesthetic wonder. Spiritual devotees, pilgrims, artists, scholars, and craftspeople have long marveled at the interweaving of the mathematical mastery and skilled workmanship in these edifices. Dr. Ralls details the relationship between architecture, geometry, and music; explores the concept of the labyrinth; the evolution of the European educational system and its embrace of the liberal arts; pilgrimage and the importance of the cults of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene; the use of astronomical calculations in the design, orientation, and location of medieval cathedrals; the marvels of stone and wood sculptures; the teachings of Pythagoras, classical Greek philosophers, and the later Neo-Platonists, and also discusses aspects of the architectural style learned by the Templars during the Crusades and suggests possible links to other esoteric concepts.A book for the general reader and specialist alike, Dr. Ralls guides the reader through the history, places, art, and symbolism of these unique "books in stone," providing a lively portal and solid resource for all readers as well as further suggested resources for all travelers, art lovers, and researchers.Lavishly illustrated with color photographs, a recommended reading section with both general and academic sections, notes, a map, timeline, and lists of the major European cathedral sites and a full Bibliography, "Gothic Cathedrals" is a fascinating showcase of the mystic and spiritual symbolism found in these great structures of Europe, information that will help modern readers visit these sites and share in the energy of the sacred they continue to radiate., From the 12th century through the 16th centuries, the Gothic architectural style spread throughout Europe. Several hundred churches and other public buildings were built, many of which stand to this day. Gothic architecture left its legacy of meticulous building techniques and the infusion of illuminating interior space through extensive use of stained glass. Its design criteria convey a palpable awareness of the vast power of time and place. Famed medievalist Dr. Karen Ralls explores the legacy of this exquisite architectural period, whose artistic beauty and expert craftsmanship have served for centuries to inspire feelings of spiritual reverence and aesthetic wonder. Religious devotees, pilgrims, artists, scholars, and craftspeople have marvelled at the interweaving of mathematical mastery and skilled workmanship in these magnificent edifices. Gothic Cathedrals is a fascinating showcase of the mystic and spiritual symbolism found in these great structures of Europe and beautifully details how these cathedrals served as healing shrines. Also included is information to help modern readers visit these sites and share in the energy of the Sacred they continue to radiate.
9780892541737 English 0892541733 Cross the threshold into the world of the High Middle Ages and explore the illuminating wisdom, beauty and art of the Gothic cathedrals, stunning wonders of the medieval era for all to see today. From bejewelled stained glass windows to a pilgrimage "on the road" to Compostela, the wonders of Gothic architecture continue to inspire many worldwide.From the 12th century, the Gothic architectural style continued to spread throughout Europe. Hundreds of cathedrals and other Gothic buildings were built and remain to this day. Renowned medievalist Dr. Karen Ralls explores the legacy of this exquisite architectural period, whose artistic beauty and expert craftsmanship have served for centuries to inspire feelings of spiritual reverence and aesthetic wonder. Spiritual devotees, pilgrims, artists, scholars, and craftspeople have long marveled at the interweaving of the mathematical mastery and skilled workmanship in these edifices. Dr. Ralls details the relationship between architecture, geometry, and music; explores the concept of the labyrinth; the evolution of the European educational system and its embrace of the liberal arts; pilgrimage and the importance of the cults of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene; the use of astronomical calculations in the design, orientation, and location of medieval cathedrals; the marvels of stone and wood sculptures; the teachings of Pythagoras, classical Greek philosophers, and the later Neo-Platonists, and also discusses aspects of the architectural style learned by the Templars during the Crusades and suggests possible links to other esoteric concepts.A book for the general reader and specialist alike, Dr. Ralls guides the reader through the history, places, art, and symbolism of these unique "books in stone," providing a lively portal and solid resource for all readers as well as further suggested resources for all travelers, art lovers, and researchers.Lavishly illustrated with color photographs, a recommended reading section with both general and academic sections, notes, a map, timeline, and lists of the major European cathedral sites and a full Bibliography, "Gothic Cathedrals" is a fascinating showcase of the mystic and spiritual symbolism found in these great structures of Europe, information that will help modern readers visit these sites and share in the energy of the sacred they continue to radiate., From the 12th century through the 16th centuries, the Gothic architectural style spread throughout Europe. Several hundred churches and other public buildings were built, many of which stand to this day. Gothic architecture left its legacy of meticulous building techniques and the infusion of illuminating interior space through extensive use of stained glass. Its design criteria convey a palpable awareness of the vast power of time and place. Famed medievalist Dr. Karen Ralls explores the legacy of this exquisite architectural period, whose artistic beauty and expert craftsmanship have served for centuries to inspire feelings of spiritual reverence and aesthetic wonder. Religious devotees, pilgrims, artists, scholars, and craftspeople have marvelled at the interweaving of mathematical mastery and skilled workmanship in these magnificent edifices. Gothic Cathedrals is a fascinating showcase of the mystic and spiritual symbolism found in these great structures of Europe and beautifully details how these cathedrals served as healing shrines. Also included is information to help modern readers visit these sites and share in the energy of the Sacred they continue to radiate.