 Excellent Overviews in Context
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to explore not only the structure of Gothic cathederals but also the political, cultural, and religious context in which they were built. This is a very thorough look at all these aspects of the enterprise. The prose style makes this book a pleasure to read.
 Good for amateurs--and I am one!
If you're an art history major or gothic expert, this book may be in the "too obvious to mention" category. However, I am really enjoying it. THe author, a sociologist "by trade," shows how academics work at our best, in my opinion: He follows passion and curiosity, using his own discipline and "crossing over" into other studies to expand his own, and therefore the readers', understanding of Gothic cathedrals.
I confess his starting point--Salisbury Cathedral--is one of my own favorites. The approach of the book is sociological, historical, architechtural, religious/spiritual, and artistic. None is arcane or overly academic -- yet it is not simplistic in its approach.
I am enjoying this book!
 Not devoid of shortcomings !
This work is largely successful at describing and explaining the historical and sociological context pertaining to the construction of gothic cathedrals.
Some important shortcomings should however be pointed out.
First, the title is misleading since the book is very much centered on England, and specifically on Salisbury, whereas gothic cathedrals blossomed first and foremost on the Continent. 'The Gothic Enterprise in England' would have been more appropriate.
Also, the author carries the strange notion that 12th and 13th century societies were poor and wretched whereas the very cathedrals discussed are proof to the contrary. He clearly is not familiar with Régine Pernoud's work, initially published in the 1970's, that debunks many myths concerning the Middle Ages!
One of the book's most fascinating chapters, placed at the very end, deals with Stonehenge. Why however include it in this work since there is no indication that Stonehenge had any influence whatsoever on gothic construction?
Finally, the black and white photographs, possibly shot by the author, are sadly not up to par with the topic.
Great work!
Book was in great shape, arrived on time. I didn't need it for my class however, so I returned it. There were no problems with it though.
A real pleasure
Well written and wonderfully informed, this well designed book presents a comprehensive review of the appearance and use of the great cathedrals and abbey churches built across the middle ages in France and England. It also includes a wonderfully precise presentation of the social, economic, and political order of the time, and it discusses how the great buildings were built and what is known of their builders. Overall, it is the best general introduction I know of, easily accessible to non experts and a wonderful review for the better informed.
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