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Using architecture, sculpture, culture and history, Adams humanizes the medieval period and provides valuable insight on religious philosophy. Mont-Saint Michel and Chartes provides a background and description of the construction of two French landmarks built in the 11th century. The Mont-Saint Michel cathedral was built during a militant time; it was not enough to simply be steadfast in one's own beliefs, but also to make others believe them. Religious conversion was a form of defense. Mont-Saint Michel was built in a period where faith was aggressive, almost violent, and to accommodate this, Mont-Saint Michel was built in honor of a warrior angel. In contrast, the Chartes cathedral, another French monument built in the Gothic period, was built as a shrine to Mary, the mother of God. Using Mary's image and inspiration, this church set a welcoming tone. While the cathedral of Mont-Saint Michel represents a more aggressive side of faith, the cathedral of Chartes is the embodiment of love and peace. In the same way that this contrast exists between the two cathedrals, a similar duality is present in the Christian faith. It is both a safe haven and a weapon wielded by the religious in order to conform others to their faith. Through descriptions and comparisons between Mont-Saint Michel and Chartes, Adams provides thoughtful reflection on both Christianity and the magnificent structures of the Gothic period.
Mont-Saint Michel and Chartes by Henry Adamsis a subjective and personal view on history written in beautiful prose. With the stories behind two grand French cathedrals, Mont-Saint Michel and Chartes explore themes of Christianity, gender, and medieval culture with eloquent and enlightened discourse on history and the politics within Christianity.
Now in a modern, readable font and new, striking cover design, Mont-Saint Michel and Chartes by the prolific American author and philosopher, Henry Adams provides meaningful meditation on the duality of religion and insight on the French Gothic period.
About the author
Henry Adams was educated at Harvard College, where he subsequently held a professorship. His historical writings are what made him most famous, especially "History of the United States During the Administrations of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison," a nine-volume set that txters American history in the early 19th century. The intellectual and cultural currents of Henry Adams's day had a profound effect on him. He was connected to members of the late 19th-century cultural elite, such as John Hay and Henry James. Adams was well-known for being sceptical of the course that American politics and culture were taking, and this mistrust is clear in a lot of his writing. "The Education of Henry Adams," an autobiographical reflection on his life and the evolving society around him, brought Adams notoriety later in life. Written in the third person, this piece delves into his experiences, thoughts on the revolutionary events of the late 19th and early 20th century, and his intellectual development.
Summary
Using architecture, sculpture, culture and history, Adams humanizes the medieval period and provides valuable insight on religious philosophy. Mont-Saint Michel and Chartes provides a background and description of the construction of two French landmarks built in the 11th century. The Mont-Saint Michel cathedral was built during a militant time; it was not enough to simply be steadfast in one’s own beliefs, but also to make others believe them. Religious conversion was a form of defense. Mont-Saint Michel was built in a period where faith was aggressive, almost violent, and to accommodate this, Mont-Saint Michel was built in honor of a warrior angel. In contrast, the Chartes cathedral, another French monument built in the Gothic period, was built as a shrine to Mary, the mother of God. Using Mary’s image and inspiration, this church set a welcoming tone. While the cathedral of Mont-Saint Michel represents a more aggressive side of faith, the cathedral of Chartes is the embodiment of love and peace. In the same way that this contrast exists between the two cathedrals, a similar duality is present in the Christian faith. It is both a safe haven and a weapon wielded by the religious in order to conform others to their faith. Through descriptions and comparisons between Mont-Saint Michel and Chartes, Adams provides thoughtful reflection on both Christianity and the magnificent structures of the Gothic period.
Mont-Saint Michel and Chartes by Henry Adamsis a subjective and personal view on history written in beautiful prose. With the stories behind two grand French cathedrals, Mont-Saint Michel and Chartes explore themes of Christianity, gender, and medieval culture with eloquent and enlightened discourse on history and the politics within Christianity.
Now in a modern, readable font and new, striking cover design, Mont-Saint Michel and Chartes by the prolific American author and philosopher, Henry Adams provides meaningful meditation on the duality of religion and insight on the French Gothic period.
