Sacred Architecture: Symbolic Form and Ornament

by Piers Humphrey Caroline; Vitebsky

Sacred architecture reflects a society's awareness of its relationship with the divine — and is thus a powerful expression of the human quest for spirituality. This book is a vivid, richly illustrated exploration of the symbolism and significance of sacred architectural forms — from spires and minarets to pyramids and temples — and of how different cultures translate their complex beliefs into physical structures.

In an authoritative and thoroughly accessible text, the authors explain the links between cosmologies and the construction of buildings, and describe the activities of worship, sacrifice and performance within sacred spaces. The focus ranges widely to show a representative selection of the world's most fascinating sacred buildings, from prehistoric stone circles and Buddhist temples to European cathedrals and New Guinea meeting-houses.

The reference section at the back of the book explains the construction techniques behind sacred architecture and analyzes essential forms such as arches, vaults and domes.

Caroline Humphrey is Director of Studies in Social Anthropology at King's College, University of Cambridge, England. Since obtaining her Doctorate, she has pursued a distinguished academic career. Her publications include Culture and Environment in Inner Asia (1996).

Dr Piers Vitebsky studied ancient languages before becoming an anthropologist. He is currently Head of Anthropology and Russian Northern Studies at the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge, England. For 25 years he has carried out fieldwork in tribal India, Sri Lanka and the Siberian Arctic. His latest publications include Dialogues with the Dead(1993) and The Shaman (DBP, 2001).

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

184 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2005

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.