Books

Every year, more than half a million visitors visit Durham Cathedral, whether as pilgrims to the shrine of St Cuthbert, as worshippers attending services, or simply to enjoy the astounding beauty of this building and its setting. There they find, not just one of the greatest examples of Romanesque architecture in the world, and not merely the treasures of religious life, learning and worship gathered over nearly a thousand years, but a living embodiment of Christian life, hope and aspiration as relevant in the twenty-first century as it has ever been.

Durham Cathedral: Light of the North is a stunningly illustrated portrait of Durham Cathedral, with original photography by Malcolm Crowthers, in which the author traces the development of this magnificent Norman cathedral through the words of kings, prince-bishops, priests and chroniclers. His lively account brings to life not only the dramatic events of the past, but also the day-to-day existence of the cathedral and its people, from monastic times to the present day. The book includes newly commissioned photography of the cathedral and its treasures, along with a substantial number of beautiful archive images, and is a volume to treasure for every friend, old or new of Durham Cathedral.

'On the one hand a compelling story, on the other a fascinatingly detailed visual tour of the building and its monuments ...This highly informative book sets out to enrich and inform the reader's understanding and appreciation, not only of the Cathedral but also of the history of the region in which this great institution has played such a huge part.'

- Durham City News

'A book of great character but with the addition of wonderful colour photographs...a pleasure to read and reflect on our Christian heritage.'

- Bill Spence - Yorkshire Gazette & Herald

'The book contains outstanding photographs of the cathedral's acclaimed Romanesque architecture, monuments, effigies and decoration.'

- Durham Town & Country