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All profits go to Housing Works -- NYC's largest HIV/AIDS organization. Minimal wear to cover. Pages clean and binding tight. Shelfwear, Bumped Edges, Hardcover. All profits go to Housing Works -- NYC's largest HIV/AIDS organization. Minimal wear to cover. Pages clean and binding tight. Shelfwear, Bumped Edges, Hardcover. See less
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David MacAulay
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Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction, Revised and in Full Color Hardcover – Picture Book, November 5, 2013

by David Macaulay (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 204 ratings
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A Caldecott Honor Book

Readers worldwide recognize Caldecott Medal winner David Macaulay's imaginary Cathedral of Chutreaux.

This critically acclaimed book has been translated into a dozen languages and remains a classic of children's literature and a touchstone for budding architects. Cathedral's numerous awards include a Caldecott Honor and designation as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year for Macaulay's intricate pen-and-ink illustrations.

Journey back to centuries long ago and visit the fictional people of twelfth-, thirteenth-, and fourteenth-century Europe whose dreams, like Cathedral, stand the test of time.

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  1. Reading age
    10 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    80 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    5 - 7
  5. Lexile measure
    1120L
  6. Dimensions
    8.5 x 0.69 x 10.88 inches
  7. Publisher
    Clarion Books
  8. Publication date
    November 5, 2013
  9. ISBN-10
    054410000X
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0544100008
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This marvelous book recreates the building of a French Gothic cathedral from the hewing down of half a forest to the placement of the last sheet of lead on the spire. Macaulay uses voluminous knowledge and pen-and-ink sketches accompanied by a brief clear narrative." Time Magazine —

About the Author

David Macaulay is an award-winning author and illustrator whose books have sold millions of copies in the United States alone, and his work has been translated into a dozen languages. Macaulay has garnered numerous awards including the Caldecott Medal and Honor Awards, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, the Christopher Award, an American Institute of Architects Medal, and the Washington Post–Children’s Book Guild Nonfiction Award. In 2006, he was the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, given “to encourage people of outstanding talent to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations.” Superb design, magnificent illustrations, and clearly presented information distinguish all of his books. David Macaulay lives with his family in Vermont.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clarion Books; Illustrated edition (November 5, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 80 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 054410000X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0544100008
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10 - 12 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1120L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 5 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.25 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.69 x 10.88 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 204 ratings

About the author

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David MacAulay

David MacAulay

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David Macaulay is an award-winning author and illustrator whose books have sold millions of copies in the United States alone, and his work has been translated into a dozen languages. Macaulay has garnered numerous awards including the Caldecott Medal and Honor Awards, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, the Christopher Award, an American Institute of Architects Medal, and the Washington Post–Children's Book Guild Nonfiction Award. In 2006, he was the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, given “to encourage people of outstanding talent to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations.” Superb design, magnificent illustrations, and clearly presented information distinguish all of his books. David Macaulay lives with his family in Vermont.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
204 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book readable and informative, with one noting it provides step-by-step construction details. Moreover, the illustrations receive positive feedback, with one customer highlighting the new color version. Additionally, the story quality is appreciated, with customers noting it's a great history of Notre Dame and a story of perseverance. However, the color aspect receives mixed reactions, with some customers saying it adds little value to the content.

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18 customers mention "Readability"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one mentioning it provides a step-by-step account of construction.

"Great book! I ordered this to replace a copy of the first edition that we seem to have lost...." Read more

"Straight forward, not about actual cathedrals but how a cathedral is built. For that it does an excellent job with illustrations" Read more

"...A great piece of work by Davis Macaulay! Loved this book!" Read more

"...Although it’s a nice book though." Read more

16 customers mention "Interest"15 positive1 negative

Customers find the book interesting and informative, with one customer noting it is particularly engaging for older children and adults, while another mentions it provides good answers to anticipated questions.

"...An awesome explanation of not only how, but why and why, these buildings were built." Read more

"...It was fascinating to learn not just how these building were built, the methods, materials and tools, but also the why...." Read more

"Beautifully drawn with great information. All of the books from this author are amazing!" Read more

"This book is entertaining and informative...." Read more

11 customers mention "Illustrations"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the illustrations in the book, describing them as great and beautiful, with one customer noting that the new version is illustrated in color.

"...The new version is illustrated in color bringing the story even more vividly to life that the original I read 40 years ago." Read more

"Beautifully drawn with great information. All of the books from this author are amazing!" Read more

"...For that it does an excellent job with illustrations" Read more

"...A great piece of work by Davis Macaulay! Loved this book!" Read more

7 customers mention "Story quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the story quality of the book, with several noting it is a great history of Notre Dame and a story of perseverance. One customer specifically mentions it provides a comprehensive description of building a Gothic cathedral.

"Straight forward, not about actual cathedrals but how a cathedral is built. For that it does an excellent job with illustrations" Read more

"...Great story of perseverance and determination against many things adverse to your goal!..." Read more

"The Story of Cathedral Construction is excellently told in both words and pictures. It is a first class book for both children and adults" Read more

"I love that this story is about Notre Dame du Parie!" Read more

6 customers mention "Color"3 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the color of the book, with some appreciating it while others feel it adds little value to the content.

"...This version is about 2/3 the size of that one (still oversized) and in color...." Read more

"...to the new one with 3-D views and I think the color adds very little to it." Read more

"...sketches that David Macaulay is known for, but I really enjoy seeing his work in color." Read more

"...I had thought these were watercolors, and was curious. Colored pencil, and very so-so...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • John Asendorf
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not as big as old original, but in color! Still awesome.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    If you remember this book from the late 70's/early 80's, it was a bigger book and in black and white. This version is about 2/3 the size of that one (still oversized) and in color. Got it for my preteen, roughly the same age I fell in love with David Macaulay's work. An awesome explanation of not only how, but why and why, these buildings were built.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • H Arthur James
    5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing entry in an amazing series of books.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I loved all these books as a kid and as an adult I get to have the book I could only check out of the library as a kid. The thing I loved about these was how Macaulay uses a mixture of history and fiction to bring to life the creation of these amazing structures. It was fascinating to learn not just how these building were built, the methods, materials and tools, but also the why.

    The new version is illustrated in color bringing the story even more vividly to life that the original I read 40 years ago.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Mello?
    4.0 out of 5 stars 1st Edition of "Cathadral" Preferred
    Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Great book! I ordered this to replace a copy of the first edition that we seem to have lost. All and all I like the book although I prefer the first edition with its X-sections of the construction (more like architectural drawings) to the new one with 3-D views and I think the color adds very little to it.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Gwendolyn Bellermann
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read and informative
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Beautifully drawn with great information. All of the books from this author are amazing!
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Straight forward, informative, quick read
    Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Straight forward, not about actual cathedrals but how a cathedral is built. For that it does an excellent job with illustrations
    Helpful
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  • Ryan D Heward
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully illustrated
    Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book is entertaining and informative. I enjoy the black and white sketches that David Macaulay is known for, but I really enjoy seeing his work in color.
    Helpful
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  • Lisa S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story of perseverance and determination against many things adverse ...
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    My son chose this for his independent reading selection, and I ended up reading it too! Lol. It is very interesting to read and see the degree of commitment that those hold when something is important to them, regardless of the obstacles that are thrown in their way! Great story of perseverance and determination against many things adverse to your goal! Plus, my son loved hearing about the various "tools" and ways of the ancient builders.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • sandy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very Knowledgeable
    Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This book is filled with facts that I never knew before. A great piece of work by Davis Macaulay! Loved this book!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • わからんちん
    5.0 out of 5 stars カラー版の「カテドラル」です
    Reviewed in Japan on November 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    著者デビッド・マコーレイ氏は「カテドラル - 最も美しい大聖堂のできるまで」(日本語版　岩波書店　1979年）を出版されました。モノクロで、味わい深い素敵な本でした。ただ、正面薔薇窓が時代にあわない点は指摘されていました。1338年に完成したのならフランボワイヤンではなくレイヨナンでなければなりません。

    今度の” CATHEDRAL”ではその点が修正され時代にあったもの（レイヨナン）となっています。舞台は同じシュトローという架空の都市なのですが、モノクロ版では平原に立地する都市、カラー版では丘陵都市になっています。

    いくつかモノクロ版とカラー版を比較してみますと

    まず、柱の構造の違いがあります。モノクロ版では柱は4つの切石で作られ、中央の中空部分にコンクリートを流しこむようになっています。これに対しカラー版では切石は2つで中央部分まで無垢です。

    あと、ガラスの製法ですか。モノクロ版は1種類を示しているのに対し、カラー版では2種類の製法を紹介しています。吹いて回転させ円盤をつくるやり方と、ガラスの円筒をつくり切り裂いて四角い平板をつくるやり方です。

    大屋根の雨水を受けてガーゴイルから流す仕組みなどは、カラー版では立体的に描かれよくわかります。昔、ランスの大聖堂に行った時、ガーゴイルからしょぼしょぼ雨水が落ちていたのを思い出します。

    交差ヴォールトの化粧天井に描かれる目地の描き方が気になったりもしますが、僕の職業柄で、細かい点をつっつき過ぎかもしれません。

    マコーレイ氏は少し迂闊なのでしょうか。工事中の正面と完成時の正面が食い違っています。（工事中は正面が左右とも二連アーチなのに完成時には向かって右が二連、左は四連アーチになっている）ただ、完成後の絵をじっと見ると、あれ、飛行機雲がある、あれ、テレビのアンテナがある、自動車も見える、ということで、現代の姿を示していたわけです。ということになれば600年以上時間が経っているわけで、その間に改装したのかもしれません。

    カラー版の方が新しい研究の成果と言えるのかもしれませんが、モノクロ版も線が美しく、二冊とも大変に楽しめます。僕みたいに新旧を比較したり、あら探しをしたりせず、ただ楽しく眺めるのが一番かもしれません。できれば新旧二冊とも購入されるのをお勧めします。

    前作と同じ飯田喜四郎氏に日本語訳をして頂ければと思いますが、ご高齢のようで無理かな。
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  • V. P. de la Fuente Saez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Most interesting book.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 22, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I bought the same book in the seventies in BW! Now in color is very nice!
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Delivered as stated
    Report
  • bozes
    1.0 out of 5 stars Don't ever buy the Kindle version!
    Reviewed in Japan on May 20, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    It's a great book in paper. But in the Kindle version, the (all-important) pictures are of terrible quality. All drawings are fuzzy and letters are illegible. Don't waste your money!
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