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Richard Taylor - How To Read a Church (2nd Hand Hardback) | Campsie Books

Richard Taylor - How To Read a Church (2nd Hand Hardback)

£3.95
SKU B000672
Synopsis

Churches and cathedrals are visited by millions of tourists as well as worshippers each year. But many people do not realise that church buildings are packed with images, symbols and meanings that often need explanation.

This handy guide will unlock all the treasures they contain. The stunning colour photographs show the very best in church art and architecture - from paintings, fonts and altars, to pew ends, choir stalls and stained glass windows, and the accessible text talks you through the significance of church features.

How to Read a Church is a lively and fascinating guide to what a visitor to a church is likely to find there and how to interpret the common images and meanings in church art and architecture. It will explain how to identify people, scenes, details and their significance, and will explore the symbolism of different animals, plants, colours, numbers and letters - and what this all means. It will be an essential guide for anyone who has ever visited / is visiting a church or cathedral, and for those who want to know more about these incredible buildings and the art they contain.

It includes sections on: - The basics: imagery, themes and history - Church architecture, inside and out - Symbols, colours and words - Representations of God, Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary - Recognising Saints and Angels - Scenes from the Old Testament.

It is the ultimate reference for anybody who wants to know more about what they see in a church or cathedral from the significance of church layouts, the symbolism of key scenes and the importance of small details.

Details
  • Format : Slightly Smaller 2nd Hand Hardback with Dust Jacket
  • Condition : Good
  • Category : Non-Fiction - Architecture, Design & Engineering
  • Published : 2003
  • ISBN : 9781844130535
  • SKU : B000672
  • PPC : SP450gm
  • Quantity Available : 1 only.
External Reviews

"A gem of a book" - Spectator.

"I enjoyed reading this as I absolutely adore cathedrals in any form. I have a degree in art history but they often glossed over the small details in class so this book filled in a lot of the gaps."

"This is an excellent guide to deciphering the symbology found in most Christian churches, especially Catholic churches. It deals with the symbols found in decoration and artworks in churches, but it also helps with the metaphors that are used in the layout and arrangement of religious spaces."

- Goodreads Reviews.