Architecture of Silence: Cistercian Abbeys of France

Book Description

The early Cistercian abbeys of France have long been revered for their harmoniously proportioned spaces and ethereal acoustics. Together with the great cathedrals, these remarkable medieval buildings embody the profound mastery of architecture that blossomed in 12th- and 13th-century France. Architecture of Silence is the first book in English devoted solely to these exquisite structures, which draw tens of thousands of visitors of all nationalities each year.

The power and beauty of these sacred buildings and ruins, renowned among architects and designers for their austere, almost minimal design and construction, come alive in David Heald's luminous tritone photographs. The text by Terryl N. Kinder, the world's leading scholar on the subject, offers a clear introduction to the history and architecture of the early Cistercian monks, who built the abbeys nearly 900 years ago.

DAVID HEALD, chief photographer at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, has been photographing art, architecture, and the natural landscape for 25 years. His work is in numerous private and public collections, including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Bibliothque Nationale, Paris, and has appeared in many books and magazines. He lives in Redding, Connecticut.

TERRYL N. KINDER is a medieval architectural historian and archaeologist who has served as a consultant to the restoration of Cistercian abbeys in France, Italy, and England. She has taught at Nazareth College in Rochester, the Universit de Bretagne, Rennes, and at Paris-I Sorbonne. An associate of the Institute of Historical Research in London, she divides her time between Pontigny, France, and St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.

98 tritone photographs, 93/4 x 12"

Customer Reviews:

A Higher Order Of Existence.......2001-06-17

Architecture of Silence is a finely wrought volume of exceptional interest and beauty. Its temporal actuality immediately evokes the devotional themes which are contained within its pages. The book feels like a sacred text which was printed and bound by hand, out of love.

Cistercian cenobites understood that interior spaces were at least as significant and meaningful in the natural order of things as surface manifestations. They believed that divinity resides in places that cannot necessarily be seen or immediately sensed. Architecture Of Silence conveys splendidly the essence of this belief as expressed through the physical monuments they created in worship.

Impressions to die for........2001-01-10

Heald is head photographer for the Guggenheim Museum of New York. He is far more than an expert photographic technician, however. The book exemplifies uncompromisingly conscious, staggeringly sensitive image making. As he composed and developed these images, Heald must have had a vivifying rapport with the same extraordinary source of energy and insight that infused the psyches of the original builders of these Abbeys. Wonderful. Inspiring. Awesome. Excellent essay too.

A spiritual feast for the eyes and the soul !.......2000-12-19

I was on a spiritual pilgrimage in France in October 2000, and I toured most of the abbeys that are featured in this book. I did not see this book until after I returned from France, and I must admit that the photos in this text are the most impressive of all the books that I have viewed on Cistercian architecture. I love this book ! The photographer has been able to capture the peace, simplicity, and soul of these medieval monuments. How many photography books actually bring your spirit to a deeper level of tranquility? This one surely will. The introduction is beautifully written and was composed by The expert and scholar of Cistercian architecture. I also recommend another excellent book on this subject: Cistercians: Monks and Monasteries of Europe, by Stephen Tobin.

An excellent book.......2000-11-16

Louis Kahn would have loved this book. Silence and beauty permeate its pages. Intense.

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The Stones of the Abbey
Fernand Pouillon
Manufacturer: Harvest/HBJ Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0156851008

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Very Satisfying
This book is really great

Cistercian Abbeys
Jean-Francois Leroux , Jean-Francois Leroux-Dhuys , and Henri Gaud
Manufacturer: Konemann
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Architecture of Silence: Cistercian Abbeys of France

ASIN: 3895088943

Customer Reviews:

Very Satisfying.......2006-02-19

Like many of the books in Konemann's architectural series, this one offers copious quantities of beautiful photographs. The limited text is informative, intelligent and thankfully devoid of the quasi-theoretical nonsense that spoils so many architectural books. The critical architectural issues are explained but for the most part, the images are allowed to tell the story. Simplified, but effective plans and other diagrams complement the photos and text.

In an age when so-called "star" architects do more talking than building, it is refreshing to see these monasteries, built with humility and a sense of aesthetic understanding that is so absent in the architectural profession today.

I also recommend Lucien Herve's wonderful B+W photographs in "The Architecture of Truth: Thonet Abbey"

This book is really great.......2000-04-28

Well, I just received CISTERCIAN ABBEYS and I CAN TELL YOU - THIS IS MY SORT OF BOOK!Un-put-down-able.This thick glossy book has it all - every page has at least one picture or map. The pictures shown are clear and well taken. Depicted are the interior of the monastries, the turrets, the brickwork, the decorations, glorious photos of relics, the courtyards, the art. The text is well written, easy to understand & contains useful information. Another fine book by Konemann & I have many including BAROQUE, ROMANESQUE, ROME, CASTLES OF FRIULI, MEDIEVAL CASTLES OF SPAIN, CHATEAUX OF THE LOIRE VALLEY. Cannot be faulted and for a 399page h/bound volume inexpensive. A must. I change my travel plans every time I pick up any of my Konemann's.

Rievaulx Abbey: Community, Architecture, Memory (Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in Britis)

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Splendid Exploration of the Life of a Monastery

Rievaulx Abbey: Community, Architecture, Memory (Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in Britis)
Peter Fergusson , and Stuart Harrison
Manufacturer: Paul Mellon Center BA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0300078315

Book Description

This 800-year history is both an architectural study of Rievaulx and a survey of the surrounding 92-acre walled precinct. Discussions range from shrines in the monastic choir to the baths allowed to the sick, from provision for the washing of the monk's clothes, to the quarries that provided the stone at different stages in Rievaulx's development. Tracing the history of the church and claustral buildings from foundation to the present, the text deals not just with the abbey but with broader social, economic and institutional issues of the lives of its past communities. A 32-page color section showing the abbey as it is today, set in the spectacular North Yorkshire countryside.

Customer Reviews:

Splendid Exploration of the Life of a Monastery.......2000-02-24

In Rievaulx Abbey, the authors have given us a splendid portrayal of life in the Cistercian monastery. The personages of Aelred and Walter Daniel truly come alive in this work. In addition to the historical perspective of the book, we are given insight into the methods of architectural historians and come away with a better understanding of how great historical buildings are interpreted. The prose of Fergusson and Harrison is awe-inspiring. This book is a must-have for the student of monastic architecture.

Guerric of Igny: Liturgical Sermons Book 2 (Cistercian Fathers Series)

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Guerric of Igny: Liturgical Sermons Book 2 (Cistercian Fathers Series)
Guerric of Igny
Manufacturer: Cistercian Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0879072326

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Truly Cistercian

Architecture of Truth
Lucien Herve
Manufacturer: Phaidon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0714840033

Book Description

Le Thoronet Abbey, one of the wonders of twelfth-century Cistercian architecture and still revered by architects today, nestles in a wooded valley in Provence, south of France. This book is a pictorial appreciation of the abbey, photographed by Lucien Hervé in the mid-1950s and introduced by Le Corbusier. 'The pictures in this book are witnesses to the truth', is how he describes Hervé's photographs of the Romanesque abbey. Hervé's exquisite study presents the building throughout the course of a day, depicting the changing play of light and shadow on its stone vaulted exterior and interior. Highly textured and almost abstract in quality, his photographs reveal how the abbey is defined as much by light as by the conventions of Romanesque architecture, as well as conveying the intense spirituality of the Cistercian monastic order. Arranged according to the canonical hours of prayer, Hervé's photographs are complemented by quotations from the psalms and the saints. An essay by Father Samuel of the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sept-Fons provides an insight into the Cistercian monastic order, while architect John Pawson contributes a personal appreciation of this fine example of Cistercian architecture.

Customer Reviews:

Truly Cistercian.......2007-08-11

This gorgeous book flawlessly demonstrates the architecture of the Cistercians, the photographs conveying the principles of asceticism which governed their monastic spaces. The continuity of pages filled with black and white photos, alongside which black text communicates wisdom from some of the greatest religious personages, is broken only by the red lettering delineating the beginning of a new section, each of which is named for the canonical hours--mirroring the shift that would have occurred in the monks' day as the bells of terce or nones called them to prayer. Throughout, Hervé's photographs marvelously capture the spirit of light so important to the aesthetic of Cistercian architecture, making it apparent that he truly understands and respects its principles. The essence of L'Abbaye du Thoronet permeates the pages, making me feel (in a way no other book has) as though I am again standing in its cloister, the scent of boxwood in the air, a specific and marked tranquility throughout...
I believe that this is a volume of which St. Bernard himself would approve.

Guerric of Igny: Liturgical Sermons: Book 1 (Cistercian Fathers Series)

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Guerric of Igny: Liturgical Sermons: Book 1 (Cistercian Fathers Series)

Manufacturer: Cistercian Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Guerric of Igny: Liturgical Sermons Book 2 (Cistercian Fathers Series)

ASIN: 0879072083

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The Cistercian Abbeys of Britain
Janet Burton , Nicola Coldstream , Glyn Coppack , and Richard Fawcett
Manufacturer: B.T. Batsford Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0713487275

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Simple presentation of Cistercian life

The Monastic Way
M. Basil Pennington
Manufacturer: DoubleDay
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Simple presentation of Cistercian life.......2003-02-08

Inexpensively produced with black and white pictures, this book presents Cistercian/Trappist life at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. Basil Pennington's text is as clear and telling as the photos themselves. This is an excellent way to begin to understand Trappist life. The chapter called "A Greater Solitude" includes insight into how the community deals with death. The simple acceptance and rejoicing that a brother has persevered to the end and a new beginning make a startling and illuminating contrast to the American way of death. I keep this book on my coffee table so that people who don't understand efforts to combine Cistercian spirituality with daily life will have an quick and easy glimpse of the life.

1098 Cistercian Chant, No. Em 167: Gregorian Chants Celebrating the 900th Anniversary of the Order of Citeaux

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1098 Cistercian Chant, No. Em 167: Gregorian Chants Celebrating the 900th Anniversary of the Order of Citeaux
St. Josephs Abbey
Manufacturer: Cistercian Abbey of Spencer Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0966321006

Customer Reviews:

Great, Wonderful, Fun, Excellent, Professional,............2000-08-21

We do not have a great selection of decorative painting books here in Switzerland so I have to order mine, mostly sight unseen, abroad, and sometimes I am very disappointed. What a delight to receive this one. I keep looking at it over and over again and it has given me so many ideas. I am not an experienced painter but a very enthusiastic one and I find Prudy's projects to be both interesting, inspiring and very well explained. Prudy, could you please do another book very soon.

Great for beginners!.......1999-03-28

This book is great for beginners. I have no decorative painting experience at all, only a burning desire! This book is fun to use, and I was successfull quickly. I particularly like the designs that are supplied to copy and trace, and the great ideas for wood projects! I highly recommend this book if your interested in learning how to paint fruits and vegetables. I have found a new relaxing way to deal with stress!

Customer Reviews:

Wildflower photos sets new standard for genre.......1999-09-13

Adams and Casstevens combine top-notch botanical briefs for each of the featured species with superb photographs. The botanical data is sufficient for appropriate identification and interesting notes about the plants are plentiful. The authors are commended for recognizing the importance of the composition of the photographs. They are not only useful for identification purposes, they are each masterpieces of photographic art. Adams teaches how to create similar photographs. Clearly this book was not just thrown together, but was carefully crafted by geniuses.

How to Photograph Flowers (How to Photograph Series)

Average customer rating:

GOOD OVERVIEW FOR BEGINNER
A disappointment.
Beautiful photos, comprehensive info

How to Photograph Flowers (How to Photograph Series)
Heather Angel
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Nature & Wildlife | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Reference | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0811724557

Book Description

131 color photos 7 x 9 How-to information for photographers of all levels from an expert Stunning color photos of flowers from around the world A thorough, concise guide to essential equipment and techniques Heather Angel, internationally known nature photographer and author, describes equipment, film, lighting, composition, and special techniques for photographing flowers in the wild and in gardens. Clear, straightforward explanations focus on the particular challenges of taking beautiful flower photographs: coping with wind; getting correct meter readings; manipulating light with filters, diffusers, reflectors and fill-flash; composing and shooting close-ups; even adjusting for problem colors. Principles are illustrated with a wealth of color photos, from bluebonnets alongside a Texas road to giant lobelia in the mountains of Uganda. Also includes tips on making money from nature photography, and a list of international contacts. Heather Angel, a medal-winning member and past president of the Royal Photographic Society and author of numerous books on nature and photography, lives in Surrey, England.

Customer Reviews:

GOOD OVERVIEW FOR BEGINNER.......2005-01-01

Like another reviewer, I was a bit let down with this one. It does have some very nice pictures and does give some very nice tips if reference to photographing flowers, but skirts around the technical problems. If you need a book addressing equipments, methodiology and technical facts, better looks elsewhere. That being said, I did pick up several good techniques from it, i.e. tricks of the trade, so It was helpful in that aspect. Luckly, the book, bought used, does not cost all that much so there is really no reason not to add it to your photography book collection.

A disappointment........2000-01-24

If you are looking for a good overview of flower photography this is your book. If you want some good meaty ideas on techniques and equipment, look elsewhere.

I bought this book looking for specific ideas on equipment usage and for killer photos. In many of the photos the flower itself appears, in my opinion, overexposed. Hopefully this is an artifact of the printing process. In any case the end result is that some of the printed photos do not meet the quality standard set by other photo books.

The comments on exposure scattered throughout the book imply that the author did not use TTL (through-the-lens) spot metering. Today it is hard to buy a 35mm camera without some sort of TTL spot function The author's lack of specificity in this case can greatly mislead those who are just beginning flower photography. The author's comments apply perfectly--to full screen metering only. Whay chaps me is that the author says nothing about the type of metering used. This, in a nutshell, is my biggest squawk about this book. Too many generalities. And if you want to do the best you can with what you have, you need specifics.

There are some good ideas like carry some string to tie back branches. I especially like the trick of converting the camera to an incedent light meter. Elegant.

Insofar as equipment utilization, the subject of multiple flash was barely mentioned. Nor was, unless I missed it, the idea of using a 24mm lens plus your smallest (12mm) extension tube for close up in the face shots.

Beautiful photos, comprehensive info.......2000-01-03

This wonderful book is packed with gorgeous flower photos and excellently presented practical information. It will appeal to anyone who wants to photograph flowers or who just appreciates them.

I like the way every point is demonstrated by an actual flower photograph. No space is wasted with pictures of equipment or other distractions. Still there is a wealth of technical information clearly & logically presented.

Each photo illustrates a specific concept of photographic technique and composition, described succinctly in the caption and in detail in the associated text. Information on the flowers and location is also included.

Book Description

A complete teaching course for eatercolor painting techniques for beginners to intermediates.

How To Photograph Flowers, Plants and Landscapes

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How To Photograph Flowers, Plants and Landscapes

Manufacturer: H.P. Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H2A312

How to Photograph Flowers, Plants, & Landscapes

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How to Photograph Flowers, Plants, & Landscapes
David Fell
Manufacturer: Hp Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UTXMSS

Nature and the camera ;: How to photograph live birds and their nests; animals, wild and tame; reptiles; insects; fish and other aquatic forms; flowers, trees, and fungi (The Dainty nature series)

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Nature and the camera ;: How to photograph live birds and their nests; animals, wild and tame; reptiles; insects; fish and other aquatic forms; flowers, trees, and fungi (The Dainty nature series)
A. Radclyffe Dugmore
Manufacturer: Wm. Heinemann
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00087BEM8

Nature and the Camera. How to Photograph Live Birds and Their Nests, Animals, Wild and Tame; Repitles; Insects; Fish and Other Aquatic Forms; Flowers, Trees, and Fungi

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Nature and the Camera. How to Photograph Live Birds and Their Nests, Animals, Wild and Tame; Repitles; Insects; Fish and Other Aquatic Forms; Flowers, Trees, and Fungi
A. Radclyffe Dugmore
Manufacturer: Doubleday, Page & Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UB1GZ2

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How to Photograph Flowers
Larry West
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0614110645

Book Description

VICE CITY: NEW YORK IN THE 80s... Nature made Ash Lynx beautiful; nurture made him a cold ruthless killer. A child runaway brought up as the adopted heir, hatchet man, and sex toy of "Papa" Dino Golzine, the East Coast's Corsican crime lord, Ash is now at the rebellious age of seventeen - forsaking the kingdom of power and riches held out by the devil who raised him, preferring a code he can live with among a small but loyal gang of street thugs. But his "Papa" can't simply let him go - not when the hideous secret that drove Ash's older brother mad in Vietnam has suddenly fallen into his insatiably ambitious hands. It's exactly the wrong time for Eiji Okamura, a pure-hearted young photographer from Japan, to arrive in NYC and make Ash Lynx's acquaintance... and fall with him into the bloody whirlpool of pride, greed, lust and wrath unleashed by the enigma code-named Banana Fish...

Epic in scope, and one of the best-selling shojo titles of all time in Japan, Akimi Yoshida put an electric shock into the genre and gained a huge crossover audience through Banana Fish's stripped-down, non-stop style

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