Trvl Key S a Med Franc

I love this book. I've bought close to 20 copies of it to give to people and I read and reread it. It is not in any way a true guidebook, but is rather a compendium of medieval theology, symbolism, and history. In a short, provocative introduction, James introduces the "Miracle of 1130," the idea that through the veneration and intervention of the Virgin Mary, humanity has a chance of redemption. The building of a Cathedral becomes Man's expression of the Miracle. James goes through all the climatic, economic, political, theological, and social factors guiding this process, in a novel and refreshingly non-tedious way, and paints a strong picture of medieval France. The second section - the most complex and engaging - gets into symbolism: sacred geometry, numerology, design features, and meanings. I find that this sometimes very difficult material makes you look at what you've always known in a different way: why do Cathedrals generally have two towers, three sections on the facade, a double door to enter, the sight of three windows in the apse, etc. You begin to appreciate the 2's, the 3's and their sums and products. It all makes sense. The rest of the book deals with the methods of construction, and a handy description of all the important churches, with neat maps showing where you can see different stages of stylistic development. The theme flowing through the book is the spiritual interaction of the "pilgrim" with the environment... The early buildings embrace him into the ethos, whereas the virtuosity of late flambuoyant detail creates admiration but separation. Many modern tourists feel more moved in a plain Romanesque church than a huge Gothic cathedral. This book opens your eyes in a myriad of ways and to share in a timeless sense of spirituality, even just in your own living room.