Churches

This is a superb, very large (in both scope and physical size) work that covers the history, architecture, and social aspects of major world churches. From small chapels to huge cathdrals, this book is an explosion of color and information. Especially helpful are the "data-lines" at the bottom of each church's section, giving an 'at-a-glance' view of designer, years constructed, congregation/denomination served, etc. This book is worth the money for the lavish pictures alone. If sacred buildings call to you, then this book is for you. You'll really enjoy it.

I own and love two earlier books by Judith Dupre ("Bridges" and "Skyscrapers") both of which include truly exceptional b/w photographs. I'd heard that she was working on "Churches" and I anticipated it to be similar to the others.Well, in some very positive ways, it is. The degree of diligence in her research is the same. Her choice of subjects is, as before, impeccable. The quotations she includes are apt and inspire further exploration by readers. Her selection of Mario Botta, prominent Italian architect, to write the introduction was a brilliant move.All this, and then, COLOR photos, wonderful color photos ! Upon opening this book, I felt a kinship with the discoverer of King Tut's tomb when first he laid eyes on the riches therein.I'm looking forward to her next publication with great expectation.

A simply wonderful book! For those who love architecture and history, it is first rate - the photography is outstanding, the essays document the history and styles over a number of centuries. It is a real pleasure to just peruse the pages. More impressive to me than the documentary aspect is the humanity found in the essays. The author maintains a thread throughout the book - that of our ever-present desire to reestablish and maintain a relationship with God. Each church has a very human story behind it, illustrating this point and bringing the often grand scale of the structure into something more relatable and meaningful. I found the book heartening and warm. It seem particularly appropriate in these times of uncertainty. I can't recommend it enough.

As like Judith Dupre's other books on architecture, the physical form immediately connects you to the subject matter: "Churches" opens in the center like an ancient tabernacle, and begins it's display of remarkabley picked photos of the world's most important historic churches accompanied by a finely researched text comparable to Dupre's other literary landmarks for architecture. Each page also contains famous quotes, important first-glance facts, and a delicate strip of passages from the bible leading from one page to the next. Begining with the Pantheon, the book's historic churches are contrasted by contemporary works by architects such as Ando, Pelli, Johnson, Fay Jones, Siza, Legoretta, etc. Many of the photos themselves are historical, such as the oldest known view of Wall Street, or the opening day of the second Vatican council, to the first IKONOS image of St. Peter's Square taken 400 miles above earth. And so these extraordinary images are accompanied by fascinating stories and facts that immerse you into the voyage of humanity's unending quest in making the house of worship. "Churches" also opens with the first in-depth English interview that Mario Botta, a preeminent church-builder in Europe, has ever given. From the cover, to the endpapers, to the center's two-page lay-out of the restored Sistine Ceiling, the book is a joy to handle, and every page a joy to turn as you enter into an informative and visual journey of history's most fascinating places of worship. Thank you Ms. Dupre'!

The cover design is a vital clue to the treasure that lies within. Judith Dupre held my interest with her essays in Skyscrapers and Bridges. But, I'm enthralled with the layers of information she offers in Churches. Her switch to color photography is appropriate for the subject. How else could we appreciate the golden glow of the mosaics in Venice's Basilica San Marco or the colorful mosaics in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis?I'm intrigued by the choices for inclusion and am left wishing I knew about the ones that didn't make the cut.My favorite touch -- the ticker of biblical prose and poetry running from page to page across the top edge.My Christmas shopping is going to be very easy this year!