In Search of the Unknown in Medieval Architecture

by John James

Book cover: In Search of the Unknown in Medieval Architecture

Extent: 686 pages

Publisher: Pindar Press

Subjects: Architecture, Medieval Studies

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(December 2007)

ISBN: 9781904597537

Price: $38.00

In stock

Hardback (Published)

(November 2007)

ISBN: 9781904597360

Price: $150.00

In stock

PDF (Published)

(December 2007)

ISBN: 9781915837165

Price: $75.00

John James is an Australian architect and medieval historian. Since 1969 he has been searching for the origins of the Gothic style, beginning with a five-year study of Chartres cathedral. At that time there were no coherent techniques for analysing the detailed construction history of existing stone structures. This he created. He expanded his research to include all the early Gothic churches in the Paris region with a three-year survey of over 3500 buildings. His most important discovery has been that all churches of this period were constructed in many short campaigns by mobile building teams, and that major innovation was more likely to occur in the smaller buildings than in the larger. This volume makes available 42 of the author’s studies on the development of Gothic architecture in France.

Introduction History : A new chronology for French High Gothic: Consequences of The Ark of God An investigation into the uneven distribution of churches in the Paris Basin Memes and assumptions The evolution of medieval architecture from a symbolic perspective Evidence for flying buttresses before 1180
Chartres was lucky the Parisians were busy
Toichology: In defence of Toichology Were the transept porches at Chartres added
An examination of some anomalies in the ascension and incarnation portals of Chartres Cathedral Multiple contracting in the Saint-Denis chevet Could Suger have built the choir of Saint-Denis in four years? La construction de la facade occidentale de la cathedrale de Senlis The Masters and their methods A northern master for Clermont-Ferrand?
Vaulting The evolution of the rib vault
The peaked arch, and the earliest domical rib vaults in the Paris Basin The rib vaults of Durham cathedral
Rib Vaults in Italy Techniques: Medieval mortar
Construction, cranes, formwork and timing Foliage And Decoration: The foliate capitals in the nave of Peterborough Cathedral The rustic master - a Chartrain master in Italy
Chapiteaux a feuilles d'acanthe du Portail Royal An analysis of chevron patterns and column patterns at Durham Geometry: An Architect's approach to Medieval Geometry Measuring and hunting geometry Medieval Units of Measure: the feet of the master The tools of Hues Libergier, Master Mason of the Thirteenth Century Chartres cathedral and the rule of geometry Four 'identical' windows The great western rose of Chartres cathedral The White Tower, discrepancies were deliberate Gothic pinnacles The two geometric layouts for la Sainte-Chapelle Meaning: The canopy of paradise The mystery of the great labyrinth, Chartres cathedral Medieval Astrology: the signs of the Zodiac on the Royal Portal of Chartres cathedral Changes in architectural symbolism Economics: What price the cathedrals?
How many built the churches? Funding the Early Gothic churches of the Paris Basin Index

  • By (author) John James