All over Europe, from Westminster to Rouen, the cathedrals of the Middle Ages still stand. This book explores the world of the medieval master mason. How were these structures built when only primitive machinery was available? Who initiated and designed them? Who built and paid for them?



Even now, the great cathedrals of the Middle Ages overwhelm us by their imagination, technical daring and sheer scale. How could such structures be built when cities had only a few thousand inhabitants and only the most primitive machinery was available? Who initiated them? Who designed them? Who paid for them?

Through the documentary records that remain (many of which are quoted at length), and drawings and details from contemporary art, we are led into the extraordinary world of the medieval master mason.