In the wake of the fire at Notre Dame de Paris, a lot of questions have come up for me, as I've thought about the intricacies and impossibilities of this breathtaking structure. How on earth, in an age without computers, diesel machinery, or high-tech cranes did a town of medieval citizens build such a structure?
David McCauley's Cathedral is a breathtaking exploration of the artistry, technology, obstacles, and triumphs of constructing one of the world's most lovely structures, the Gothic cathedral. His expansive illustrations and approachable text makes it a fascinating, inspiring read for any modern-day reader.
Give to: the friend who lived in (or dreams of living in) France
Give with: a sketchpad to try their hand at structural sketching, or our Brass Book Darts, found here.