{"title":"R. Howard Bloch","description":"\u003cp\u003eDelve into the enchanting world of medieval architecture and the rich tapestry of history through the works of R. Howard Bloch. Renowned for his detailed and captivating narratives, Bloch takes readers on a fascinating journey with his books, such as \u003cem\u003eParis and Her Cathedrals\u003c\/em\u003e. His works fall under the \u003cstrong\u003eTravel \u0026amp; Adventure\u003c\/strong\u003e categories, offering a unique blend of exploration and educational content.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eR. Howard Bloch combines his expertise as a scholar with his passion for storytelling, bringing to life the magnificent cathedrals of Paris. Through his vivid descriptions and insightful perspectives, readers are transported to the heart of historical landmarks, uncovering the stories and significance behind these architectural marvels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a seasoned traveller or an armchair adventurer, Bloch's works provide an engaging and informative experience that will enrich your understanding of Parisian history and architecture. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Paris with R. Howard Bloch’s expertly crafted narratives.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"paris-and-her-cathedrals-by-r-howard-bloch-9781324094555","title":"Paris and Her Cathedrals","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"So infectious is R. Howard Bloch's passion for his subject that even those unable to do the travelling required will find in \u003cem\u003eParis and Her Cathedrals\u003c\/em\u003e an inspiring guide to these time-hallowed masterpieces of medieval culture.\" -Colin Jones, author of \u003cem\u003eParis and The Great Nation\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOver the years, R. Howard Bloch has become renowned for the insider tours of Paris that he gives to students abroad. Long sought after by travellers and history buffs for his near-encyclopaedic knowledge of French cathedrals, the eminent French literature scholar finally shares his expertise with a wider audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eParis and Her Cathedrals\u003c\/em\u003e, six of the most sublime cathedrals in the penumbra of Paris—Saint-Denis, Notre-Dame, Chartres, Sainte-Chapelle, Amiens, Reims—are illumined in magnificent detail as Bloch, taking us from the High Middle Ages to the devastating fire that set Notre-Dame ablaze in 2019, traces the evolution of each in turn. Written from the premise that \"seeing is enhanced by knowing,\" each chapter is organised along the lines of a walk around and then through the space of the cathedral, such that the actual or virtual visitor feels the rich sweep of the church, \"the essence of these architectural wonders\" (Antonia Felix).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnimating the past with lush evocations of architectural splendour—from flying buttresses and jewel-encrusted shrines to hidden burial grounds and secret chambers—Bloch then contextualises the cathedrals within the annals of French history. Here, thrilling tales of kingly intrigue—as in Saint-Chapelle, where the pious King Louis IX amassed relics, including Christ's crown of thorns—and audacious abbots are interspersed with anecdotes about the meeting of aristocratic and everyday life, culminating in \"a rich, colourful narrative that clearly but expertly explains the history and symbolism of some of the world's most magnificent buildings\" (Ross King).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo be read in preparation for an enlightened visit or merely to open a window upon the High Middle Ages in France, \u003cem\u003eParis and Her Cathedrals\u003c\/em\u003e is a \"revelation,\" an \"indispensable guide\" (Garry Wills) to these awe-inspiring structures. Complete with the author's own photographs, this beautifully illustrated volume vitally enhances our understanding of the history of Paris and its environs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46833416601836,"sku":"9781324094555","price":45.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/11629943482659.jpg?v=1758456448"},{"product_id":"paris-and-her-cathedrals-by-r-howard-bloch-9781631493928","title":"Paris and Her Cathedrals","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“So infectious is R. Howard Bloch's passion for his subject that even those unable to do the travelling required will find in \u003cem\u003eParis and Her Cathedrals\u003c\/em\u003e an inspiring guide to these time-hallowed masterpieces of medieval culture.” - Colin Jones, author of \u003cem\u003eParis and The Great Nation\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOver the years, R. Howard Bloch has become renowned for the insider tours of Paris that he gives to students abroad. Long sought after by travellers and history buffs for his near-encyclopaedic knowledge of French cathedrals, the eminent French literature scholar finally shares his expertise with a wider audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eParis and Her Cathedrals\u003c\/em\u003e, six of the most sublime cathedrals in the penumbra of Paris—Saint-Denis, Notre-Dame, Chartres, Sainte-Chapelle, Amiens, Reims—are illumined in magnificent detail as Bloch, taking us from the High Middle Ages to the devastating fire that set Notre-Dame ablaze in 2019, traces the evolution of each in turn. Written from the premise that “seeing is enhanced by knowing,” each chapter is organised along the lines of a walk around and then through the space of the cathedral, such that the actual or virtual visitor feels the rich sweep of the church, “the essence of these architectural wonders” (Antonia Felix).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnimating the past with lush evocations of architectural splendor—from flying buttresses and jewel-encrusted shrines to hidden burial grounds and secret chambers—Bloch then contextualises the cathedrals within the annals of French history. Here, thrilling tales of kingly intrigue—as in Sainte-Chapelle, where the pious King Louis IX amassed relics, including Christ's crown of thorns—and audacious abbots are interspersed with anecdotes about the meeting of aristocratic and everyday life, culminating in “a rich, colourful narrative that clearly but expertly explains the history and symbolism of some of the world's most magnificent buildings” (Ross King).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo be read in preparation for an enlightened visit or merely to open a window upon the High Middle Ages in France, \u003cem\u003eParis and Her Cathedrals\u003c\/em\u003e is a \"revelation,\" an \"indispensable guide\" (Garry Wills) to these awe-inspiring structures. Complete with the author's own photographs, this beautifully illustrated volume vitally enhances our understanding of the history of Paris and its environs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47072350470380,"sku":"9781631493928","price":61.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/24272563482768.jpg?v=1765095860"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/r-howard-bloch.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}