Thousand Years of Stained Glass

Provides an outstanding and comprehensive historical review of stained glass from the Romanesque to the present era. Translated from the original French, the text is clear, well composed, and full of important information regarding all aspects of stained glass production, its use as an art form, and the changes undergone in the media over a thousand year period. The author, Catherine Brisac, is the curator of the Musée des Plans et Reliefs de Paris, and is a renowned authority on the subject. The book contains numerous high-quality oversized (12" by 10") glossy reproductions of a wide variety of stained glass from Europe. This book can serve well as a coffee table volume for perusing, or as a library edition for reference. Of special note are the numerous close-up photos of the glass which depict specific scenes in the larger glass panels. But the ultimate value in the book lays in the author's comprehensive knowledge of the subject and her textual delivery of that content, which delineates the historical progression of the art form across both time and geographical regions. The text is detailed and specific, and is obviously the keynote of the book. The photographic representations are used to beautifully illustrate the text, not the other way around. The book also contains some interesting and useful documentary material, including some selected textual copies from medieval craftsmen describing techniques in use at the time and depicting how craftsmen viewed their work in terms of its importance and utility. A listing of stained grass collections around the world (including location, museum name, and a brief description of the collections at each), makes a valuable addition for anyone wishing to enjoy these works in person. A chapter entitled "The Techniques of Stained Glass" leads the reader through a diagrammatically illustrated series of steps in the glass making process, and even shows how one may produce stained glass as a craft or hobby undertaking. Finally, a small but helpful glossary contains some key words the author uses in the text. A marvelous addition to any medievalist's library, or to anyone interested in this wondrous art form.