Title: Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction
Author: David Macaulay
First published January 1, 1973
80 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780395316689 (ISBN10: 0395316685)
Rating: 4.25
Overview
David Macaulay’s Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction takes readers on a remarkable journey into the world of medieval Europe. With intricate pen-and-ink illustrations, Macaulay brings to life the fictional people who dreamed and built the legendary Cathedral of Chutreaux.
This beloved classic has been translated into multiple languages and continues to inspire architects and young readers alike. Cathedral has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Caldecott Honor and recognition as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year.
It is also a Common Core text exemplar for grades 6-8, in the categories of science, mathematics, and technical studies. Travel back in time and witness the incredible feats of engineering and architecture that have stood the test of time.
About the Author
David Macaulay was born in 1946 and when he was eleven, his parents relocated from England to Bloomfield, New Jersey. It was a challenging transition from his idyllic English childhood to a fast-paced American city.
However, during this time, he discovered his passion for drawing. After graduating from high school, he pursued his passion by enrolling in the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
While at RISD, he spent his fifth year in Rome on the European Honors Program and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Although he vowed never to practice architecture, he worked as an interior designer and a teacher at RISD before experimenting with creating books.
In 1973, he published his first book, Cathedral, which was followed by other popular titles such as City, Castle, Pyramid, Mill, Underground, Unbuilding, and Mosque. Through these books, Macaulay explains the how and why of great architectural and engineering accomplishments, from the pyramids of Egypt to the skyscrapers of New York City, in an accessible and entertaining way.
Five of his titles have been adapted into popular PBS television programs.
Editoral Review
David Macaulay’s “Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction” is a marvelously illustrated book that tells the story of how a medieval cathedral was constructed. First published on January 1st, 1973, the book explores the architecture, engineering, and craftsmanship that went into building the iconic Gothic cathedrals of Europe.
David Macaulay is a British-born author, illustrator, and architect who has produced a range of books on history, architecture, and engineering. He is known for his stunning pen-and-ink illustrations, which depict complex structures and machinery in intricate detail.
“Cathedral” is one of his most iconic works and is widely praised for its artistry and informative content. The book is written in a style that blends technical detail with engaging storytelling.
It follows the building of a fictional cathedral in the 13th century, chronicling the challenges faced by the builders and their innovative solutions. Macaulay’s meticulous illustrations bring the story to life, showing the construction at each stage and providing a detailed glimpse into the medieval world.
Amid the technical details of the construction process, Macaulay also weaves in historical context and social commentary. He explores the role of the church in medieval society, the tensions between the clergy and the laity, and the challenges faced by ordinary people in a time of religious upheaval.
He also reflects on the enduring cultural and artistic legacy of the Gothic cathedrals and their significance in contemporary society. One of the strengths of the book is its attention to detail.
Macaulay delves into the nitty-gritty of medieval building techniques, from the quarrying of stone to the carving of sculptures. He also provides a wealth of information on the symbolism and iconography of the cathedral, making the book not just informative but also enriching.
His illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful, capturing every aspect of the cathedral’s design and construction with exquisite accuracy. However, the book may not be for everyone.
Its focus on technical detail and historical context may be off-putting to readers who are looking for a more straightforward narrative. The story moves at a leisurely pace, and some readers may find it slow-going.
Additionally, the book may lack diversity in its perspective; it is primarily a white, male-centered story of medieval European architecture. Despite these limitations, “Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction” is a masterpiece of its genre, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality.
It remains a timeless and authoritative work, offering insights into the past and lessons for the present. It is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in history, architecture, or art.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Criteria for Rating:
Quality of Writing: 4/5 – The writing is engaging and informative, but the pacing may be slow for some readers. Character Development: N/A – As a non-fiction book, “Cathedral” does not feature traditional character development.
Pacing: 3/5 – The story moves at a leisurely pace, which may be too slow for some readers. Plot Structure: 5/5 – The book’s structure is well-crafted, blending technical detail with engaging storytelling.
Themes: 5/5 – The book explores themes of religion, art, culture, and history with insightful detail. Recommendation: Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in history, architecture, or art.
