The Symbolism of Medieval Churches: An Introduction by Mark Spurrell (English) P

Publisher Description

The Symbolism of Medieval Churches: An Introduction explores the ways in which the medieval church building and key features of it were used as symbols, particularly to represent different relationships within the Church and the virtues of the Christian life. This book introduces the reader to the definition, form, and use of medieval symbols, and the significance that they held and still hold for some people, exploring the context in which church symbolism developed, and examining the major influences that shaped it. Among the topics discussed are allegory, typology, moral interpretation, and anagogy. Further chapters also consider the work of key figures, including Hugh and Richard of St Victor and Abbot Suger at St-Denis. Finally, the book contrasts the Eastern world with the Western world, taking a look at the late Middle Ages and what happened to church symbolism once Aristotle had ousted Plato from the schools.Entering into the medieval mind and placing church symbolism in its context, The Symbolism of Medieval Churches will be of great interest to upper-level undergraduates, postgraduates, and scholars working on Architectural History, Medieval Art, Church History, and Medieval History more widely.

Table of Contents

Ch. 1. Visual allegories and verbal symbols Ch. 2. Recent symbolism Ch. 3. Symbol and meaningCh. 4. Allegory Ch. 5. TypologyCh. 6. The moral interpretation Ch. 7. Anagogy Ch. 8. Hugh and Richard of St VictorCh. 9. Simplified symbolsCh. 10. Buildings as symbolsCh. 11. Numbers as symbolsCh. 12. Suger and Saint-Denis: a case studyCh. 13. The EastCh. 14. The triumph of literalismCh. 15. ImagesCh. 16. In conclusion Appx 1. A poem contemplating the new church at Edessa Appx 2. The dedication of Church in the EastAppx 3. A hymn for the Feast of Dedication in the WestAppx 4. Icelandic homily for the festival of the dedication of a churchAppx 5. Anon; Speculum de mysteriis ecclesiae Appx 6. Honorius Augustodunensis: Gemma animaeAppx 7. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a sermon Appx 8. From Sicardus' MitralisAppx 9. Augustinus de Dacia, Rotulus pugillarisAppx 10. Pelbartus, Sermon 104Appx 11. Claritas: Light and dark churches

Long Description

This book explores the ways in which the Medieval church building and features of it were used as symbols, chiefly symbols of relationships within the Church, such as clergy/laity or active/contemplative, and the virtues found in the Christian life. The opening chapters introudce the definition, form and use of medieval symbols, and their serious importance to some people; explore the the major influences on medieval symbolism, which provided the context in which church symbolism was developed; discuss allegory in itself and in the context of biblical interpretation and of church symbolism, as well as discussing typology and anagogy. Further chapters cover the work of Hugh and Richard of St Victor and the work of Abbot Suger at St-Denis; look at the most common form that symbols took; and discuss the use of buildings as symbols and the use of numbers as symbols, taking the reader back to the roots of Christian symbolism. Finally, the book contrasts the Eastern world with the Western world; takes a look at the late Middle Ages and what happened to church symbolism when Aristotle had ousted Plato from the schools; and focuses on images as deliberately created symbols. Entering into the Medieval mind, and placing symbolism in its context, this book will be of great interest to upper level undergraduates, postrgraduates and scholars working on Architechtural History, Medieval Art, Church History, and Medieval History more widely.

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