St Michael's Coventry: The Rise and Fall of the Old Cathedral

This beautifully illustrated volume traces the fascinating history of the old cathedral in Coventry. The old cathedral of St Michael became known throughout the world, ironically, as a result of its devastation in a World War Two air raid, in November 1940, and its subsequent resurrection as an intrinsic part of the inspiration for new Coventry Cathedral and a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Previously one of the largest parish churches in the country, elevated to cathedral status as late as 1918, it was a superb example of the fifteenth-century Gothic architectural style, with its magnificent tower and spire, and notable collection of medieval stained glass. This celebratory and richly illustrated volume is based on a conservation plan commissioned by the World Monuments Fund Britain, tracing the long history of the church and offering an architectural and artistic appreciation of what was constructed and what remains. AUTHOR: George Demidowicz is an architectural historian and buildings and landscape consultant. Heather Gilderdale Scott is an art historian specialising in medieval stained glass. SELLING POINTS: ? Written by specially commissioned experts ? Illustrated with carefully selected historical material, some of it previously unpublished, and with specially commissioned new photography ? Introduction by Dr Jonathan Foyle, Chief Executive of World Monuments Fund Britain 100 colour