Universe of Stone by Philip Ball Rigorous commentary which explains both the science and the inspiration |
Universe
of Stone is a comprehensive and wide-ranging review of the phenomenon that is the gothic cathedral. In terms of thoroughness and eclectic research, its excellence is typical of all Ball’s books. The examination of who the cathedral builders were, of the diverse range of factors that led to the emergence of gothic cathedrals early in the last millennium, of the kinds of people that assisted the construction of such complex and magnificent structures, and of the variable success of the cathedrals – that is, did they remain standing and for how long, makes this a remarkable effort by Ball. This strength is also potentially its potential weakness – while Ball is a talented expositor and he collates his points well, this is nevertheless a dense and challenging read. Some detail may not have survived more rigorous editing, nevertheless it lends to the story of this 26 year building project. I found that the wonder and interesting details of the subject kept me going through discussions such as those on the probable order of construction or on the metaphysical discourses prior to thirteenth century. The comprehensive Notes, Bibliography and Index sustain this narrative. |
The
other theme is the book is the examination of the structural parts and features of gothic cathedrals. Ball’s early identification of the structural elements is helpful and, while his focus is on Chartres cathedral, he covers many other cathedrals, both successful and otherwise, to clarify points. Ball offers a rigorous commentary on the historical beliefs that motivated cathedral building, but maintains a balanced and agnostic perspective which distinguishes this account. If he has an overriding theme, it is to demonstrate the compatibility of science and fine art and to propose cathedrals as a splendid example of what a union of the two can achieve. A reader cannot help but notice how this often stands at odds with modern tensions between the tenets of science and some religious prerogatives, but, to his credit, Ball does not labour this or any other generalisation. |