Early Medieval Architecture

by Roger Stalley

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780192842237
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/02/1999
Series:	Oxford History of Art
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	456,960
Product dimensions:	9.38(w) x 6.60(h) x 0.68(d)

About the Author

Roger Stalley is Professor of the History of Art at Trinity College, Dublin. His previous books include Architecture and Sculpture in Ireland 1150-1350 (1971), The Cistercian Monasteries of Ireland (1987), Irish High Crosses (1991), and Ireland and Europe in the Middle Ages (1993). He has published over fifty articles on various aspects of medieval sculpture and architecture. He is a member of the Royal Irish Academy and an Honorary member of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Map 1: Northern Europe
Map 2: Southern Europe
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Christian Basilica
Chapter 2: The Carlingian Renaissance: The Basilica Transformed
Chapter 3: Symbolic Architecture
Chapter 4: Secular Architecture in the Age of Feudalism
Chapter 5: Patron and Builder
Chapter 6: Art and Engineering
Chapter 7: Architecture and Pilgrimage
Chapter 8: Architecture and Monasticism
Chapter 9: The Language of Architecture
Chapter 10: Diversity in the Romanesque Era
Epilogue: The Shadow of Rome
Notes
List of Illustrations
Bibliographic Essay
Introduction
1. The Christian basilica
2. The Carolingian renaissance
3. Symbolic buildings
4. Architecture and pilgrimage
5. Architecture and monasticism
6. Diversity in the Romanesque era
7. The language of architecture
8. Secular architecture in the age of feudalism
9. Art and engineering
10. Patron and Builder
Epilogue: the shadow of Rome
Notes; List of Illustrations; Bibliographic Essay; Timeline; Index

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher

Medieval architecture brings to mind Gothic cathedrals and fortified castles. But those styles were developed from earlier traditions, as detailed by Stalley (history of art, Trinity Coll., Dublin). Covering the period 313-1200 C.E., Stalley discusses the influence of early Christianity prior to the emergence of the Gothic style. He examines stylistic periods as well as the elements of engineering and construction, the cooperative efforts of builder and patron, and the broad categories of secular and church structures. Photographs of buildings, diagrams, and period art tie in well with the text. Though the focus is specialized, Stalley's book is inviting to both students and general readers. This fine addition to Oxford's series, neatly written and presented, is recommended for public and academic libraries.--Karen Ellis, Nicholson Memorial Lib. Syst., Garland, TX Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

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