Sacred Architecture

by Caroline Humphrey, Piers Vitebsky

This is a vivid, richly illustrated exploration of the symbolism and significance of sacred architectural forms from spires and minarets to pyramids and temples.

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction, Art, Reference, Anthropology, Art History

Paperback

Published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

For its subject, this seems to me a perfect book. The commentary is literate and thought-provoking. The photos and diagrams are informative, beautifully rendered, and, most importantly, appropriately chosen to illustrate the points under discussion. I have the impression this book was originally published in a larger format (it would make a wonderful "coffee table" book), but the smaller size still fits it well. It communicates its message effectively and eloquently despite its dimensions. I originally thought I'd read this one and then get rid of it. Nope. It's a keeper. If you have any interest in a primer on the subject of sacred architecture (i.e. the architecture of religious structures), I can't recommend this one too highly. And to think I got it for only a buck at my local "Friends of the Library" book sale! Wow.

[Zoltán · Rating 4 out of 5]

Érthető, tömör mégis olvasmányos, ugyanakkor kellően igényes bevezetés a vallásos építészet tárgykörébe. Remek segédeszköz indulásnak, ha valaki a szent terek kérdése iránt érdeklődik. A nyúlfarknyi, elméleti hátteret biztosító esszéket pazar illusztrációkkal megtűzdelt "esettanulmányok" kísérik, a kötet végén pedig egy önálló építészettörténeti, ennélfogva szakmaibb nyelvezetű fejezet, illetve a könyvben előforduló architekturális szakkifejezések szószedete segíti az olvasót a tájékozódásban. Tipikus segédkönyv, csak éppen a használhatóbb fajtából.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muito interessante.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really beautiful photography, but some of the text is factually incorrect. So I gave up and just looked at the pictures.

I'm totally obsessed with architecture. Sigh.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still reading this, too. Interesting how different cultures acknowledge ideas of God and the structures they build to worship/celebrate/communicate with the divine.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I skimmed through this and enjoyed the photographs very much. The book covers various religions and shows places all around the world.