The Geometry of Creation: Architectural Drawing and the Dynamics of Gothic Design

Bork (art history, U. of Iowa) has compiled a study based on the analysis of a truly impressive selection of Gothic era drawings of cathedrals and churches from France, Germany, and Italy. The lengthy introduction lays out Bork's interpretation of the geometric bases for the Gothic aesthetic, with the subsequent chapters offering the practices to be discerned in different drawings. The chapters are arranged chronologically by city or geographic area, with attention to the individual plans as well as the information they provide of overall approaches to the Gothic style and its variations. Published in a large format (8.75x11.25"), the volume is beautifully printed and bound and filled with b&w plates, many with Bork's geometric overlays over the original drawing to support his analysis. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)