The Symbolism of Medieval Churches

An Introduction

Mark Spurrell

$77.99

Paperback

Not in-store but you can order this
How long will it take?

Availability Information

We source books from suppliers in Australia and overseas. For books we don't currently have in stock, the time it takes to get them from our suppliers can vary widely - from a few days to a few months - so we check each book with each supplier to determine the expected time it will take to be supplied to us.

We then advise you accordingly. If the time taken to get any book is too long for you, you can let us know and we will cancel or adjust your order, and refund as required.

To find out the anticipated arrival time for specific items prior to ordering, please contact us by phone or email:

Phone +61 2 9264 3111, or 1800 4 BOOKS (1800 4 26657) if outside Sydney:
option 1 Abbey's Bookshop (Crime, History, Science, Kids & more) • info@abbeys.com.au
option 2 Language Book Centre (ESL & Foreign Languages) • language@abbeys.com.au
option 3 Galaxy Bookshop (Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance, Graphic Novels) • sf@galaxybooks.com.au

QTY:

English

Routledge
18 December 2019

Medieval history; Social & cultural history; Religion: general; Church history

The Symbolism of Medieval Churches: An Introduction explores the ways in which the medieval church building and key features of it were used as symbols, particularly to represent different relationships within the Church and the virtues of the Christian life.

This book introduces the reader to the definition, form, and use of medieval symbols, and the significance that they held and still hold for some people, exploring the context in which church symbolism developed, and examining the major influences that shaped it. Among the topics discussed are allegory, typology, moral interpretation, and anagogy. Further chapters also consider the work of key figures, including Hugh and Richard of St Victor and Abbot Suger at St-Denis. Finally, the book contrasts the Eastern world with the Western world, taking a look at the late Middle Ages and what happened to church symbolism once Aristotle had ousted Plato from the schools.

Entering into the medieval mind and placing church symbolism in its context, The Symbolism of Medieval Churches will be of great interest to upper-level undergraduates, postgraduates, and scholars working on Architectural History, Medieval Art, Church History, and Medieval History more widely.

By: Mark Spurrell
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
Weight: 390g
ISBN: 9780367025236
ISBN 10: 036702523X
Pages: 196
Publication Date: 18 December 2019
Audience: College/higher education , Primary , A / AS level
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Ch. 1. Visual allegories and verbal symbols Ch. 2. Recent symbolism Ch. 3. Symbol and meaning Ch. 4. Allegory Ch. 5. Typology Ch. 6. The moral interpretation Ch. 7. Anagogy Ch. 8. Hugh and Richard of St Victor Ch. 9. Simplified symbols Ch. 10. Buildings as symbols Ch. 11. Numbers as symbols Ch. 12. Suger and Saint-Denis: a case study Ch. 13. The East Ch. 14. The triumph of literalism Ch. 15. Images Ch. 16. In conclusion Appx 1. A poem contemplating the new church at Edessa Appx 2. The dedication of Church in the East Appx 3. A hymn for the Feast of Dedication in the West Appx 4. Icelandic homily for the festival of the dedication of a church Appx 5. Anon; Speculum de mysteriis ecclesiae Appx 6. Honorius Augustodunensis: Gemma animae Appx 7. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a sermon Appx 8. From Sicardus' Mitralis Appx 9. Augustinus de Dacia, Rotulus pugillaris Appx 10. Pelbartus, Sermon 104 Appx 11. Claritas: Light and dark churches

Mark Spurrell is an independent scholar, and has been interested in medieval chuches since he was a boy. He took his degree in modern history at Corpus Christi College Oxford and gained the diploma in theology. After his retirement Dr Spurrell took a D.Phil, the title of his thesis being ‘The development of the medieval chancel and its use by the laity.’ He has edited a number of texts for record societies, and contributed articles to learned journals. He now concentrates on how medieval people used and thought about their churches.