Book Description

Humble or grand, wood or marble, churches have given physical shape to humanity's highest spiritual and artistic aspirations over the past twenty centuries. These structures not only stand as monuments to God, they also offer revealing testimony to humanity's immense potential and constant effort to understand, express, and honor the Divine.

Churches is a work of art that reflects the grandeur of its subject matter. In this compelling book, Judith Dupré, bestselling author of Skyscrapers and Bridges, presents an architectural tour of fifty-nine of the world's most enduring Christian churches, from such celebrated landmarks as St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois., and Le Corbusier's Chapel at Notre-Dame-du-Haut in Ronchamp, France, to lesser-known masterpieces, including Huialoha Congregational Church on Maui and the Church on the Water in Hokkaido, Japan. Special theme essays cover the earliest Christian churches, the construction of Gothic cathedrals, the evolution of the baptismal font, churches designed by contemporary artists, and the revival of meditative labyrinth walking. With stunning imagery, fascinating essays, and an innovative design, this book is rich with factual detail and beautiful photography presented in an inviting, browsable format. Ms. Dupré offers a nuanced portrait of each structure, blending its architectural history with a deep appreciation for art and a reverence for religious traditions. Encompassing houses of worship from six major Christian denominations and all corners of the earth, Churches is a powerful chronology of faith and achievement that will inspire anyone interested in architecture, art, travel, religion, or photography.