Small enough to fit in a pocket yet serious enough to provide real answers this primer is a musthave for architecture and history buffs tourists and churchgoers interested in decoding the styles and symbols of religious buildings. Every building contains clues embedded in its design that identify not only its architectural style but also who designed it what kind of congregation it was built for and why. This practical yet charming handbook is the key to decoding the style history evolution and social significance of religious buildings. Not strictly limited to churches it also covers abbeys chapels and monasteries among other structures. Organized according to architectural element windows domes arches etc. each element is presented in chronological order. Additional chapters explore the architectural influence of geography history and various creeds along with an illustrated timeline showing how where and in many cases why certain church features evolved through the centuries. There is also a useful introduction to naming each component of a church from vaults to buttresses and transepts to apses. All entries are illustrated with period engravings and line drawings. This book will be invaluable for architecture buffs and anyone who has ever wondered why classic New England churches are white with little ornament why Quaker meetinghouses have no altars or why Episcopalians traditionally favored the Gothic style. show more