The Cambridge Guide to the Architecture of Christianity

Book excerpt: The Cambridge Guide to the Architecture of Christianity offers a wide-ranging overview of one of the most important genres of Western architecture, from its origins in the Early Christian era to the present day. Including 103 essays, specially commissioned for this volume and written by an international team of scholars, the volume examines a range of themes and issues, including religious building types, siting, regional traditions, ornament, and structure. It also explores how designers and builders responded to the spiritual needs and cult practices of Christianity as they developed and evolved over the centuries. The volume is richly illustrated with 592 halftones and 70 color plates. Additional images, nearly all in color are available online and are keyed into the text. The most comprehensive and up-to date reference work on this topic, The Cambridge Guide to the Architecture of Christianity will serve as a primary reference resource for scholars, practitioners, and students.