Synopses & Reviews
From the earliest establishments up through present day structures, this expansive history explores how churches have been conceived as spaces for worship throughout the centuries. Their development from the early Roman house churches through Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic structures is addressed, as are the significant changes brought about by the Reformation. Infused throughout with the spirit of the human quest for meaning and transcendence, this is a lavishly illustrated guide to the history, meanings, and messages of houses of worship.
Synopsis
For centuries, churches have been a key part of the landscape of the world. In this fascinating book, David Stancliffe takes us back to the earliest churches, showing how they were conceived as spaces for worship. We see their historical development from the early Roman house churches, through Byzantine, Romanesque and on to Gothic. With the Reformation came significant change in the religious landscape - these changes are described and the journey to the modern understanding of church architecture explored. The book is infused throughout with the spirit of human quest for meaning and transcendence. The text is lavishly illustrated with over 500 colour illustrations, photography, cutaways and line drawings.
About the Author
David Stancliffe is a clergyman and the author of Celebrating Common Prayer, God's Pattern, and The Pilgrim Prayerbook.