Exeter Cathedral: The Garden of Paradise (Paperback)
- Illuminates the fascinating history of Exeter Cathedral, a building that still marks the heart of Exeter city- Touches on the perspective of its builders, and how their creation reflected a particular understanding of the world, and the realm they envisioned beyond us- Illustrated with specially commissioned photography that draws on archaeology, archives and imageryNine hundred years ago, foundations were dug for a great church in Exeter which would develop into the beautiful cathedral that still marks the heart of the city. It is distinctive among English cathedrals for its twin transept towers, and unbroken vault stretching from the entrance to the high altar, and the sheer profusion of carving of plants and animals throughout. Exeter is a heavenly garden in stone, and this new book, illustrated with specially commissioned photography, draws on archaeology, archives and imagery to explain what its builders in a surprisingly cosmopolitan city were trying to tell us about their understanding of the world, and the realm they envisioned beyond us.
Dr Jonathan Foyle has devoted his career to the preservation and public appreciation of historic buildings. His other books on English cathedrals include Canterbury, Lincoln, Lichfield and Peterborough. Diane Walker is a volunteer tour guide for Exeter Cathedral.