This beautiful and authoritative book is the first to examine the development of Gothic sculpture throughout Europe. It discusses not only the most famous monuments -- such as the cathedrals of Chartres, Amiens, and Reims, Westminster Abbey, and the Siena Duomo -- but also less familiar buildings in France, England, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Scandinavia. Numerous illustrations -- including photographs taken specially for the book -- accompany the text."For the student or general reader, this book sets a standard in the field and will remain indispensable for many years to come". -- Richard Camber, Antique International"Paul Williamson has produced a miracle of clarity and compression in the latest volume of the Pelican History of Art .... His subject is one of the most challenging and most studied subjects in Western art: the birth, growth and development of Gothic sculpture in its first 150 years". -- Michael Hall, Country Life"Beautifully produced and judiciously written.... Williamson"s is a book which has helped vindicate the genre of the synoptic survey and provide a superb text for students as well as a new foundation for specialist research". -- Paul Crossley, Art Newspaper