This wonderful book presents a thorough survey of the art of stained glass from early times to the present day.

International stained glass expert Virginia Raguin traces the emergence of stained glass as a unique art form through an examination of its techniques and symbolism, and the political and historical contexts – both ecclesiastical and secular – in which it has been displayed.

The story spans over 1,000 years, from the dramatic, richly patterned figures in Strasbourg Cathedral, via the monumental programmes at Chartres, York, Cologne and Florence, to modern masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Henri Matisse and John Piper among others.

This is a guide to the most important, beautiful and unusual stained glass to be found around the world, and an invaluable sourcebook, with a meticulous, step-by-step illustrated account of the process of the making of a stained glass window and a comprehensive analysis of the issues facing conservationists.

From Romanesque to Gothic Revival, Renaissance to Opalesque, Virginia Raguin reveals her profound knowledge of the naunces of style and the aesthetics of light in this compelling field.

335 illustrations 300 in colour