Guided by a Stonemason: The Cathedrals, Abbeys and Churches of Britain Unveiled

by Thomas Maude

Visiting historic buildings is one of Britain's most popular pursuits. Visitors, however, are often frustrated by existing guidebooks, which assume much prior knowledge of architectural history and terms. This book presents a new look at cathedrals, abbeys and churches through the eyes of experienced stonemason, Thomas Maude. He uses historical and technical information, colourful anecdotes and his knowledge of building structures and techniques to convey the excitement which they hold in store.

Genres: History, Travel, Nonfiction, Architecture

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 1997

About the author

1718-1798

Reviews

[Helen]

A simply written book that demystifies English Church architecture from the Norman through the Gothic periods (11 C-17 C). I loved the lack of jargon - and any jargon was fully explained. The author's explanation of vaulting, how it developed up until the final (Perpendicular) phase of the Gothic period, was enlightening, as were his discussions of the purpose of the various sections of churches and how the Church itself functioned in the Middle Ages in England. I would recommend this wonderful book to anyone who wants a clear-cut exegesis of English Church architecture up until the close of the Gothic period (1650). This book is really a well-written key to understanding this architecture, even discussing points like the geology of the different types of stone used in Church buildings from the Norman through the Gothic period. This is probably a good book to own as it's an insightful guide to this type of architecture - how it developed from the Romanesque to the Gothic. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in the Middle Ages or in Medieval architecture, or in the development of the Church and the monastic system, as well as the role of the Church in society, in England.

[Emily]

This book helped me when reading The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.
I found it difficult to picture where different parts of the cathedral were located, and the technical terms were difficult to follow. Guided by a Stone-Mason helped me with this. It also has information on other aspects of cathedral building (like types of stone).

[Andrea]

Very simple and very short...I was often frustrated because it did not go into more detail or spend more time on explanations. Particularly because the author easily could have, and done so masterfully. Hopefully that's upcoming, because there is much more I want to know. But it gets four stars for the fact that it is a craftsman talking about his craft with knowledge and love, and there are nuggets in here that you could find nowhere else, I shall never pass a parish church again without looking for a mass dial...

[Geoff]

An interesting read. A great help in dating cathedrals and churches. Plenty of historical titbits on ecclesiastical architecture.

[Alastair Lack]

Adequate. Not very inspiring, and not always accurate