The Romanesque: Towns, Cathedrals and Monasteries

Originated by art theorists in the 19th Century, the term "Romanesque" refers to a school of religious architecture and design from the early medieval period. As with all terms that attempt to summarize an epoch, "Romanesque" artificially constructs the notion of one unified style, but as this book makes clear, the Romanesque tendency consisted of many different, eclectic characteristics. The investigation back through time leads us across the ancient pilgrim routes of the Pyrenees, and then into a vast range of devotional structures - churches, tombs, monuments, cathedrals and basilicas. Each one carries its own regional imprint and spiritual iconography. Containing rigorously detailed and comprehensive insights into all aspects of Romanesque symbolism and ritual, this book includes analysis of liturgical equipment, and explores the significance of many features of the buildings.