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Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Non-Fiction / History / Architecture / Art History / Medieval Studies

Book Review:
Jean Gimpel's ''The Cathedral Builders'' remains a highly readable and informative classic on one of history's greatest architectural achievements. Gimpel masterfully weaves together threads of technology, economics, religion, and social history to explain not just how these stone giants were built, but why medieval Europe embarked on such a colossal building spree. The book's strength lies in its holistic approach; it's not just about arches and vaults, but about the bishops who commissioned them, the guilds that built them, and the societies that worshipped in them. While scholarly, the prose is engaging and the numerous illustrations (as mentioned in the blurb) greatly enhance the text. Some details may be refined by more recent archaeology, but Gimpel's work is still the perfect starting point for students, travelers, and general readers who look at a Gothic cathedral and wonder about the world that created it. It's a fascinating journey back to the age of faith, stone, and incredible human endeavor.