more than the conventional
guide-book, or even technical estimates as to their perfections, and the
belief is that the gathering together, after this fashion, of the
contemporary information not always to the hand of the general reader
presents an attraction as appealing and deserving of a place on the
book-shelf as would be an avowed reference work, or a volume made to
sell on the strength of its bulk or ornateness, or, lacking these
questionable attributes, presented in the guise of a whilom text-book,
the sole province of which is to impart "knowledge" after a certain
well recognized and set pattern._

_It is believed that, regardless of much that has been said and written
anent the subject, the fact remains that some considerable numbers of
persons may be supposed to exist who would be glad of a further
suggestion which would make possible an acquaintance with the cathedrals
of France as a part of their own personal experience. To all such, then,
it is to be hoped this book will appeal._

F. M.

CONTENTS

PAGE

Introduction 11

PART I. TRANSITION EXAMPLES

I. Introductory 41

II. Notre Dame de Laon 43

III. Notre Dame de Noyon 49

IV. Notre Dame de Soissons 54

PART II. THE GRAND GROUP

I. Introductory 61

II. Notre Dame d'Amiens 64

III. St. Pierre de Beauvais 70

IV. Notre Dame de Rouen 79

V. Basilique de St. Denis 93

VI. Notre Dame de Paris 101

VII. St. Julien; Le Mans 113

VIII. Notre Dame de Chartres 123

IX. Notre Dame de Reims 132

PART III. THE CATHEDRALS OF THE LOIRE

I. Introductory 147

II. St. Croix d'Orleans 150

III. St. Louis de Blois