Notre-Dame of Amiens: Life of the Gothic Cathedral by Stephen Murray

Stephen Murray's 'Notre-Dame of Amiens: Life of the Gothic Cathedral' offers a comprehensive narrative on the life and significance of Amiens Cathedral, often hailed as the Parthenon of Gothic architecture. The book extends the understanding of the cathedral's construction from its 13th-century origins to the 16th century, incorporating urgent repairs and additions that shape its current form. Murray employs a unique approach, blending historical context with detailed tours of the cathedral's exterior, interior, and structural elements like flying buttresses. He emphasizes the active relationship between sculptural subjects and liturgical life, illustrating how the Gothic style transforms physical observation into religious and spiritual affect. The book is supported by extensive visual documentation, including high-resolution photographs and panoramas, accessible via a dedicated online platform.

Davis, M. T. (2023). Notre-Dame of Amiens: Life of the Gothic Cathedral by Stephen Murray. The Catholic Historical Review, 109(1), 190–192. https://doi.org/10.1353/cat.2023.0022