David Macaulay's Cathedral

           In Cathedral, the illustrations are rather formal and the tone is somewhat serious, if "informative" is "serious."  The effect is awe-inspiring, with details of workers and their "crude" tools that built such a striking cathedral in that time period.  They are historically correct depictions of how the cathedral was constructed in black and white drawings which reinforce the text - giving us accuracy to convey architectural principles.  The panoramic views show the relation of the size and proportion of the cathedral to the people and other buildings, and to show the progress of the work and the passage of time.  Cross sections and odd views of the cathedral illustrate details of medieval architecture inside as well as outside.
     
          - Leah Dailey, August 3, 2000
       

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      Last updated: August 20, 2000