Chartres and the Birth of the Cathedral

In Chartres, Burckhardt’s gift for opening the spiritual and artistic treasures of the traditional worlds for modern readers shines forth once again. The author’s description of the didactic themes of the cathedral’s great doorways and rose windows covers virtually the whole of the Christian story and amount to a comprehensive presentation of Christian theology and metaphysics. At the same time, his insights go far beyond the limits of Christianity as a confessional world. Basing himself on the permanent and universal principles of the religio perennis, Burckhardt enables the reader to understand and appreciate the intellectual vision which inspired the creative joy of the artistic productions of the Middle Ages. Richly illustrated with 16 full color photos, 10 black & white photos plus over 100 line drawings.