Book Guide

The Gothic cathedral is one of man's most magnificent expressions as well as one of his grandest architectural achievements.  Built to the glory of God, each cathedral was created by the ingenuity, skill, and hard work of generations of dedicated people.

This richly illustrated book shows the intricate step-by-step process of a cathedral's growth.  The plan is agreed on; the site is chosen; each craftsman's contribution is presented; his tools and materials are described.  The details of the construction are graphically explained from the building of the foundation and the erection of the walls through the details of the flying buttresses, vaulting, and roofing, on to the completion of the towers and the castings of the bells.

The grandeur of the cathedral unfolds through the book until finally the reader shares with the townspeople of Chutreaux a sense of wonder at the power of their creation.

From the dust jacket

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David Macaulay

David Macaulay

1946 -
British American
On an early autumn Wednesday in 1957, ten-year-old David Macaulay stood for a photograph, along with his mother, brother, and sister, on a carpet in f... See more

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Built to Last Reprint

Built to Last
Reprinted in 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Available formats: Hardcover
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This book contains the complete text and illustrations of the colorized reprints of Castle and Cathedral as well as the original book, Mosque.


Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction, Revised and in Full Color Reprint

Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction, Revised and in Full Color Revised    
Reprinted in 2013 by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Available formats: Hardcover, Ebook
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Content Guide

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Resource Guide

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