Great Churches of London
by Derry Brabbs
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Pub Date Sep 10 2024 | Archive Date Sep 08 2024
Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion | Frances Lincoln
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Description
Uncover the most remarkable examples of religious architecture in England on this grand tour of London’s great churches.
With specially commissioned images and text by renowned photographer Derry Brabbs, this illuminating guidebook is informed by an abundant history, extending from the Medieval to the modern day. And while the Great Fire of London and the Blitz destroyed many of London’s oldest churches, they were restored or rebuilt each time, offering a fascinating, meandering history.
This gloriously illustrated compendium features architectural designs from Sir Christopher Wren, Nicholas Hawksmoor, James Gibbs, William Butterfield, Edwin Lutyens, and many others. From the iconic St Bartholomew the Great and Christ Church Spitalfields, to lesser-known gems like St Mary Woolnoth and St. Jude’s in Hampstead Garden Suburb, striking photography portrays the spectacular beauty of each church, with its rich history discussed in detail.
This guide explores how these sacred buildings are intrinsically linked to this historic city’s identity—covering everything from devastation and plague to arts and literature; religion and politics to infrastructure and skylines. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone looking to discover the spiritual heart of London, this book is for you.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9780711269231 |
PRICE | $50.00 (USD) |
PAGES | 272 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
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Great Churches of London is a non-fiction book that introduces a selection of great churches in London with their history, information and their exquisite interiors and exteriors.
This is a great reference book for those interested in architecture.
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If like me you like to explore places of worship across the world this is the book for you. Although this is only London there are some hidden gems in here I have yet to discover and I am going to take this book with me on my next trip to start exploring them all. Greenwich Hospital Chapel is definitely first on my list as it looks breathtaking. Religious or not the architecture and design is awe inspiring in some of these locations.
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Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this ARC.
Wow. I live in London and I didn't know many of these churches! This is a great collection, with beautiful photographs and lots of informative text. I will definitely visit some of these churches soon with friends - it's good to have access to so much history.
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London is home to many impressive and historical churches. This book covers 40 with beautiful color photos and information on historical and architectural details. The author groups them by time period, Medieval, Tudor and continuing to the 20th century. I was a little surprised it skips the larger and more well known cathedrals but they probably can fill their own book. I've visited some churches in London because I had ancestors who were baptized or married there and a few made it into this book giving me an extra connection. I’m not sure when I will get to London again but this book has me adding some new places to visit when I do.
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Well now.
Just in London alone their are far and away more epically beautiful
ancient churches than I would have imagined.
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Anyone who loves London and/or Ecclesiastical history will enjoy spending time with this title. There are so many gorgeous photos that draw the eye. The text is also filled with interesting history.
There are so many churches in London. I think that the author was wise to organize them by time period in this book. Because of this structure, readers are able to get a sense of changes over time. The book begins with the Medieval and Tudor era and moves to the 20th century in its last section.
I loved looking through this book. One does not have to be religious to appreciate what was built over time and what led to the building of these churches.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
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This gorgeous book combines beautiful images with fascinating facts. I wish I'd had this book before traveling to London, yet the multiple photographs for each church made it feel a little more like I was there! Perhaps I'll get to visit these places someday; this book certainly made me want to do so. I enjoyed learning new things about each church, and I feel thankful for all of the work that went in to restoring these sacred places.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.
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Wowwwww, this book is a stunner! I loved nearly everything about it--only "nearly" because I discovered with this read that twentieth-century church architecture styles are not typically my jam, LOL. (And the Christian Scientist church seemed a bit out of place with the rest, as well--but just my two cents.)
The entire book is brilliantly photographed (There were pictures! In the eARC! Yay! :D), with plenty of photos per location--another nice bonus. And the captions and text were super helpful; I spent almost as much time reading those and learning about the locations as I did looking at the pictures.
I also loved that I didn't know about most of these places--only recognized one or two--so I really could dive in without any preconceived notions and just be ready to learn and enjoy.
Churches and London are two of my favorite topics, and I can see myself revisiting this book again and again down the line. It's so very pretty, and informative--a wonderful combination.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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A sumptuously illustrated book as would be expected of Derry Brabbs. This book provides an overview of the key churches to visit in London from each period. This gives the reader and hopefully inspired traveller, the key places to include on a visit to the capital. A good range of interior and exterior images are shown alongside a potted history of each building. There are some well known examples as well as lesser known ones, the book is also good at getting you to view a wide range of styles, some of which I may have overlooked but have enjoyed viewing them nonetheless.
To conclude a great introduction to some of the churches of London, beautiful photographs and inspirational. Would heartily recommend.
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If like me, the only church in London you're familiar with is Westminster Abbey, then this book is for you! A wonderful short guide of 40 different London churches across different periods in English history.
See the remarkable craftsmanship in marble, brick, stone, wood, metal, paint, glass, cloth and even mosaic. Learn about why there is a Handel and Hendrix museum. What happened in London in 1066 that affected most churches. Which ones survived German bombing? In which chapel can you see an angel actually carved by one of Queen Victoria's daughters? So much to learn and see!
*Thanks to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Publishing for an eARC*
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As a church architecture aficionado, I enjoyed the authentic love for and deep knowledge of some of London's architectural jewels. I also appreciated that it highlighted churches equally fascinating to the more familiar greats such as Mary Woolnonth and my personal favourite London church St Bartholomew the Great
This is a great book to have in a historian's library but would also make a great travel companion
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