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Notre-Dame de Paris
The cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the jewels of the French capital and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. This, the most detailed and lavishly illustrated book on the cathedral available in English, beautifully evokes the awe-inspiring monument that attracts countless visitors from around the world.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 5, 2019
This is a heavy book in more ways than one - it weights about 6 pounds - and the author immediately plunges into the architecture of the cathedral with the problem with illumination despite the rose windows since internally, it is a dark building. This book goes extensively into the architectural aspects of this cathedral - each historical phase and detail if the knowledge is available.
The author moves through the history of Paris, the retreat behind fortification ramparts on the Isle de La Cite. Remains of the wall substructure have been found as well as the foundation remains of an earlier cathedral from the pre-Merovingian period (possibly a former converted Roman temple) or from the late 300's A.D.
When the decision was made to replace that ancient cathedral, the architectural plans had to include making sure that the old cathedral remained in use even as the new one was rising around it. Several different architects continued the construction over the century of the major work - some known, some completely unknown save hints of their influence. There is obvious differences in some styles - for example, the column capitals - due to newer directions in architecture and head architect as well as re-using of older pieces.
Lavishly filled with black-and-white photos as well as color photos which provide closeup details of some areas that the average tourist could only see from a distance. Building footprints which includes line drawings and plans of the cathedral before the 1845 renovations and after. It was those major renovations that brought the weakened and mutilated cathedral - neglected for decades as well as damaged during the Revolution of 1798 - back to being a gorgeous French treasure.
It was due to watching the disastrous burning of the roof and steeple that made me want to see if the local library had a book on this UNESCO heritage site. It did and this coffee table book - it is nearly 18" tall - is, in my opinion, an excellent resource for someone looking for how the cathedral used to look.
2019-067
The author moves through the history of Paris, the retreat behind fortification ramparts on the Isle de La Cite. Remains of the wall substructure have been found as well as the foundation remains of an earlier cathedral from the pre-Merovingian period (possibly a former converted Roman temple) or from the late 300's A.D.
When the decision was made to replace that ancient cathedral, the architectural plans had to include making sure that the old cathedral remained in use even as the new one was rising around it. Several different architects continued the construction over the century of the major work - some known, some completely unknown save hints of their influence. There is obvious differences in some styles - for example, the column capitals - due to newer directions in architecture and head architect as well as re-using of older pieces.
Lavishly filled with black-and-white photos as well as color photos which provide closeup details of some areas that the average tourist could only see from a distance. Building footprints which includes line drawings and plans of the cathedral before the 1845 renovations and after. It was those major renovations that brought the weakened and mutilated cathedral - neglected for decades as well as damaged during the Revolution of 1798 - back to being a gorgeous French treasure.
It was due to watching the disastrous burning of the roof and steeple that made me want to see if the local library had a book on this UNESCO heritage site. It did and this coffee table book - it is nearly 18" tall - is, in my opinion, an excellent resource for someone looking for how the cathedral used to look.
2019-067
May 19, 2008
Sorry Disney-lovers... no happy ending for this hunchback.
August 4, 2019
boring text, good photos
October 20, 2012
I've decided to step through some classical French literature in preparation for our trip to France.
Victor Hugo is not easy to get into. He is verbose, and sometimes flowery, like many 19th century authors. He can go on interminably on sidetracks. When he describes something, he often will use half a dozen or more comma'd phrases - sometimes that is just tedious, but there are times when each phrase is subtly different, and it seems like he is circling the subject in attack. He also has some profound insights and touching phrases. Well worth slogging through the other parts.
Victor Hugo is not easy to get into. He is verbose, and sometimes flowery, like many 19th century authors. He can go on interminably on sidetracks. When he describes something, he often will use half a dozen or more comma'd phrases - sometimes that is just tedious, but there are times when each phrase is subtly different, and it seems like he is circling the subject in attack. He also has some profound insights and touching phrases. Well worth slogging through the other parts.
August 12, 2014
Oh i remember when i was a little child and i watched the cartoon of the book. I can still remember all of the scene it was so beautiful. I had to read the book also and i'm glad i finally had time to remind the whole story again. "D
September 11, 2012
goodreads
June 30, 2014
Victor Hugo est un génie et bien que j'ai préféré Les Misérables, Notre Dame de Paris est un chef d'oeuvre du 19eme siècle! (Et bien meilleur que l'adaptation de Disney)
Want to Read
March 4, 2016mediaeval
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews