This comprehensive study of Gothic architecture traces the distinctively beautiful elements of Gothic style through the medieval churches of Europe. Gathered from a rare two-volume Victorian classic; over 700 meticulously rendered details and illustrations display every intricate aspect of Western cultures most magnificent ecclesiastical structures; including Londons Westminster Abbey Church. The only edition of these antique architectural plates in print; this splendid book is a one-of-a-kind source of authentic Gothic design.In page after fascinating page; this rich retrospective features the finest examples of medieval masonwork; woodwork; and metalwork dating back to the thirteenth century. Explore the soaring Gothic characteristics of vaulted ceilings; arched windows; flying buttresses; pointed spires; ornamental filials; and decorative panels; plus doorways; moldings; roofing; porches; door hinges; and other elaborate architectural elements.Filled with fascinating insights into the creation of Gothic-style churches and cathedrals; this sweeping survey also provides lively observations of the medieval period.
#2154555 in eBooks 2012-08-21 2012-08-21File Name: B00A0B0TU0
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good biography!By David BreckmanA fine bio of a prodigiously talented but often wantonly cruel director. Good lord; Brooks comes across like a real SOB in these pages ... which is a bitter pill to swallow since Brooks was responsible for writing and directing one of my favorite movies of all time; the sublime western THE PROFESSIONALS; from 1966.Daniels book is well-written and thoroughly researched; but I actually wish it had been longer. Heres hoping the next edition covers Brooks writing process and filmmaking methods in more exhaustive detail; and includes plenty of excerpts from some of Brooks (difficult to locate) screenplays.In short; Richard Brooks; a real craftsman; was by all accounts a real bastard; too. And in his case it was NOT an accident of birth. He was a self-made man.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Difficult Guy.By Steven DaedalusIve always enjoyed Richard Brooks colorful adventure yarn; "The Professionals;" and take a mean pleasure in watching his schematic "The Blackboard Jungle." And much of his other stuff is worth catching.Therefore; as much as I dont like saying it; this objective and dispassionate biography doesnt show us the life of a particularly happy or talented man. He was brutal in handling his crew and some of his actors. Evidently; if he was pleased with their work he ignored them. That was about all you could expect. And unlike; say; John Ford; his anger -- well; his outrage really -- grew worse as he aged and there was no sign of any leavening humor. Ford at least appreciate a joke or a gag and would get drunk from time to time. Brooks grew so nearly paranoid that he wouldnt even let the actors see their lines except one page at a time; always worried that something would be stolen. There were four marriages.Brooks fought his way to the top; born poor in Philadelphia; working through a desk job in the Marine Corps and newspaper stories and columns. He was careful to avoid controversy. He was both a writer and director but there wasnt a peep out of him during the House Unamerican Activities Committee hunts for commies under every bed.Daniel hasnt done a hatchet job. Dont get me wrong. The prose is reportorial rather than editorial. Here is Richard Brooks; warts and all."Actors; studio executives; and journalists had been telling the same stories about Richard for years. He dressed like a bum. He kept his script under wraps. He passed up offers to direct top movies (in 1979; "The Godfather; Part II;" after reading a treatment.) He accepted the guild minimums to write and direct a movie his way. He was difficult and demanding and a screamer. How Richard made a movie had become Hollywood lore."He was an individualist; not a Hollywood hack; but even individualists have their limits.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. A must-read!By JasparLamarCrabbLong overdue to say the least; this dynamite look at the life films of the great Richard Brooks is a must read. Brooks; inflammatory in his personal life and director of such classics as CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF; ELMER GANTRY IN COLD BLOOD is one of the least written about of the master directors. This is such a well put together thorough book; youll not be able to put it down. With some excellent commentary by the likes of Shirley Jones; Scott Wilson; Brookss ex-wife Jean Simmons and many others; the book is chock full of insight into how this maverick worked and created some of the best films of the 1950s 1960s. One critique: lousy reproduction of some interesting photos/movies stills.