You’re deeply interested in Gothic architecture, cathedrals, churches, and abbeys and want to learn more about them. But where do you start? Of course you can start with my FAQ. But if you like books: these 10 books are must-reads to understand cathedrals and gothic architecture in general. Do you miss your favorite book? Please let me know!
Books about Cathedrals: From Picture Books to Scholarly Studies
Despite the vast online availability of information (we’ll come to that later), books remain my favorite. They (usually) carry some authority, making the information more trustworthy, something that will become increasingly valuable in the future with the rise of AI-generated texts.
Of course, there are different types of books. Starting with picture books (‘The 100 Most Beautiful Cathedrals’) that offer brief information but often include beautiful photos. Additionally, there are more substantive books that still pay a lot of attention to visualizations.
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cathedrals: story of its construction – Macauley
This was the first book on cathedrals that I read. Not surprisingly, it was named New York Times Book of the Year for Macaulay’s extraordinary drawings.
How to Build a Cathedral – Malcolm Hislop
A beautifully designed book, focusing on the construction of various elements of a cathedral.
Europe’s 100 Best Cathedrals – Jenkins
A beautifully designed book, focusing on the construction of various elements of a cathedral.
More in-depth information can be found in the (semi)scientific publications. These books often contain few illustrations but provide extensive background information and are often a reliable source of information. Among my favorites are:
The Age of Cathedrals – Georges Duby
This is my personal favorite. And I was fortunate: in 2024, a brand-new edition appeared in Dutch. It still contained the same valuable information, but now it was also richly illustrated. A very valuable book.
Haven on Earth – Emma Wells
A glorious illustrated history of sixteen of the world’s greatest cathedrals, interwoven with the extraordinary stories of the people who built them.
The Scents of the Cathedral – Wendy Wauterse
This book offers a glimpse into the vibrant life within the 16th-century Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp. It connects religious rituals with the everyday scents of the city. It has been published in Dutch and German so far (2024).
The Gothic Cathedral – Christopher Wilson
Wilson explores the design and construction of Gothic cathedrals between 1130 and 1530. It explains how the desires of patrons and the challenges faced by architects led to innovations in style and building techniques.
Cathedrals in fiction
Cathedrals play a key role in several outright page-turners! In the past, there was, of course, ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’. At the end of the 1990s, Ken Follett followed with the first part of his successful series about the fictional village of Kingsbridge. After the first part in 1989, two more parts followed. A sign that the era of the Middle Ages with its cathedrals is far from being passé!
The Pillars of the Earth – Ken Follett
Set in the 12th century, this novel centers around the building of a magnificent cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, England. 1135 and civil war, famine and religious strife abound. With his family on the verge of starvation, mason Tom Builder dreams of the day that he can use his talents to create and build a cathedral like no other.
Cathedral of the Sea – Ildefonso Falcones
Set in 14th century Barcelona, this novel tells the story of the construction of Santa Maria del Mar and follows the life of a serf who gains his freedom and wealth but has to navigate through various challenges of the time.
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame – Victor Hugo
In the quintessential cathedral novel, Notre-Dame Cathedral takes center stage. The story is set in 15th century Paris. It vividly brings to life the tale of Quasimodo, the disfigured bell ringer.
These novels not only feature the architectural marvels of cathedrals but also delve into the lives of those who built them, lived around them, and were affected by the socio-political climates of their times.
What is your favorite book about cathedrals or gothic architecture in general? Let me know!
YouTube: a source of interesting animation videos
If you prefer watching videos to reading, YouTube also has a lot to offer. I’m always really pleased with the animation videos that give an impression of how a church was built. I’ve gathered some of my favorite videos for you in the special LUX Video channel. Many of these videos focus on the Gothic style. They explain in understandable language how those awe-inspiring structures were made, or show what the function is of rib vaults and flying buttresses.
Are you more of a builder than a reader? Try LEGO!
For many cathedral enthusiasts, a dream comes true: LEGO is releasing the Notre-Dame of Paris as a set in the ‘Architecture’ series. With 2269 pieces to build, it will take some time to complete. You can order the set here or check my review first!
How a Digital Twin Became the Blueprint for Restoring Notre-Dame de Paris
How a “digital twin” became the blueprint for Paris’ Cathedral Notre-Dame: discover the tech helping save Gothic cathedrals for future generations.
