In Tiers of Glory: The Organic Development of Catholic Church Architecture Through the Ages

In Tiers of Glory: The Organic Development of Catholic Church Architecture Through the Ages by Rose, Michael S.. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780967637129.

Architects, says Rose, have always understood that architecture isn’t inconsequential. Sacred architecture, in particular, has an immense influence on how people think and feel — and even on how they pray and believe. In Tiers of Glory explains why, and it does so from the perspective of history and tradition. Rose (author of The Renovation Manipulation and Ugly as Sin) here provides a clear, comprehensive summation of the development of Catholic Church architecture from the Church’s earliest days to modern times. He identifies the canons that have been common to Catholic churches throughout history — from Roman basilicas to Byzantine and Carolingian churches, from pilgrimage shrines to Gothic churches, from Renaissance classicism to Baroque opulence — that is, elements that have been common to churches in every age except our own. Rose details how this organic development has been broken by the banal, uninspiring, and sometimes ugly church buildings of today. But he insists that Catholics need not simply endure these blunders and missteps. With a series of enlightening prescriptions for the future of Catholic church architecture, Rose explains how the Church can restore continuity with the great churches of the past — and why it is crucial to do so. Gloriously illustrated with over 200 full-color photos and renderings, In Tiers of Glory is a much needed and welcome addition to the literature on church architecture.