Richard Taylor, How to Read a Church: A Guide to Images, Symbols and Meanings in Churches and Cathedrals Reviews

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Good Points: Accessible, well-written guide to understanding images and symbols used in Christian Churches. Good index. Does not assume readers have any knowledge and therefore rehearses major biblical stories associated with the images/symbols described.

Bad Points: There are two versions now - an illustrated version with lots of photographs and a smaller, more 'pocket sized' version. The latter has a bit of a cheap feel to it and is perhaps a bit short on pictures. However, it is not expensive.

General comments: Richard Taylor, How to Read a Church: A Guide to Images, Symbols and Meanings in Churches and Cathedrals - This guidebook is ideal for people who like visiting churches. It explains the layout of the church, the common (and some uncommon) images and symbols found there, and even explains what priests wear during ceremonies (and the symbolism of some of the formal clothing). It also retells some of the main biblical stories (and also some of the stories told that aren't in the bible) which gives good context. It does not push a line and therefore is suitable for people who have only an aesthetic interest. The original version has only limited pictures and is quite compact so useful to take out and about. There is a new illustrated version with more of an 'art book' feel (more expensive).