The great Gothic cathedrals of Europe, with their soaring spires and expanses of glass, are some of the most loved and admired works of architecture in the world. From Chartres, whose stained-glass windows create patterns of light that seem truly mystical, to the Cathedral of Florence, whose soaring dome has been called "one of the engineering marvels of all time," this glorious art book covers the major Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals in France, England, Germany, Italy, and Spain. A wealth of photographs showing the cathedrals inside and out, including close-up architectural and sculptural details, and an authoritative text by a respected architectural historian combine to produce an indispensable work for scholars, as well as a lovely gift for all those who adore these majestic buildings.