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. In his enjoyable book, Stalley examines architecture in western Europe, from the legalization of Christianity in 313 CE to the period around 1200, when patrons began to prefer the Gothic style.... Each chapter is well illustrated and clearly written, and the book ends with a concise section of endnotes, a useful bibliographic essay, and a well-designed time line incorporating religious and historical event as well as architectural chronology.--CHOICE This is a book that is well-conceived, cogently organized and lucidy written.--Professor Stephen Murray, Columbia University