Notre-Dame de Paris: History, Art, and Revival from 1163 to Tomorrow

Notre-Dame has long stood as a symbol of Paris—people openly wept as fire swept through the iconic building. In stunning photographs, this volume celebrates the cathedral through the ages, from its beginnings in 1160 and construction during the Middle Ages, to its survival through the French Revolution and two World Wars, to its resurgence after the publication of Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame; and, finally, its recent near-destruction. . . and the efforts to restore it to its former glory.
This stunning photographic ode to one of the world’s most beloved treasures pays tribute to Notre-Dame—its place in history and in culture, and its rebirth—in the wake of the tragic fire that nearly destroyed it. With its spectacular rose windows, majestic spire, soaring vaults, twin bell towers, and massive pipe organ, the gothic cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris has long stood as a symbol of that city—people openly wept as fire swept through the iconic building in April 2019, which sustained colossal damage. In stunning photographs, this volume celebrates Notre-Dame through the ages: its beginnings in 1160 and construction during the Middle Ages; its survival through the French Revolution and two World Wars; its coronations (including Napoleon’s), royal weddings, and presidential funerals; its resurgence after the publication of Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame; its magnificent relics and artwork; its portrayal by artists through time; and, finally, its recent near-destruction . . . and the miraculous efforts to save it, and restore it to its former glory and beyond.