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The Church of Sancta Sophia, Constantinople: A Study of Byzantine Building

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About This Book

The study surveys a major Byzantine church in Constantinople, reconstructing its site and historical phases, compiling contemporary descriptions and a descriptive poem, and furnishing extensive measured drawings and illustrations. It analyzes architectural form and construction—plans, domes, arches, vaulting, mortar, marble cladding, capitals, doors, mosaics, and glass—alongside liturgical fittings, relics, and ceremonial use. Later repairs, restorations, precincts, and vernacular building practices are examined to argue that practical craft, materials, and local tradition shaped Byzantine design. Field observation, translations of primary sources, and material analysis support the book’s technical and historical conclusions.

About the Author

Lethaby, W. R. portrait

W. R. Lethaby

W. R. Lethaby was an influential English architect and writer known for his contributions to the study of architecture and craftsmanship. His works often focus on historical contexts, particularly in relation to English architecture. Notable titles include "London Before the Conquest," which explores the architectural landscape of pre-Norman London, and "The Church of Sancta Sophia, Constantinople: A Study of Byzantine Building," where he examines the significance of Byzantine architecture. Lethaby's writings reflect a deep appreciation for the interplay between architecture and culture, making him a key figure in the discourse on historical architecture.

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