NEWS

Durham Cathedral book launched

28 November 2006

Durham Cathedral: Light of the North is a stunningly illustrated portrait of Durham Cathedral, published by Third Millennium Information, with original photography by Malcolm Crowthers.

The author, John Field, traces the development of this magnificent Norman cathedral through the words of kings, prince-bishops, priests and chroniclers. His lively account brings to life not only the dramatic events of the past, but also the day-to-day existence of the cathedral and its people, from monastic times to the present day.

Durham Cathedral has stood on this spot as a place of prayer and pilgrimage for over 900 years. It contains the remains of Cuthbert, the saintly 7th-century bishop of Lindisfarne; it also holds the tomb of Bede, the chronicler of Cuthbert’s life and the first English historian. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in England (Bill Bryson called it ‘the best cathedral on planet Earth’).

Ten years into its second millennium, and now recognised as a World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral remains a vital focus of the North East’s regional identity. Over half a million visitors walk through its doors to marvel at the splendour of its interior and its treasures and to experience the richness of its history.

Richly illustrated, the book includes many reproductions from ancient illuminations and paintings. Superb original photographs capture the beauty of the building as an example of Romanesque architecture, and show monuments, effigies and decoration. Captions explain the historical significance of each subject.

The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham comments:
“I am delighted to welcome a major new publication on the Cathedral which traces the fascinating story of its past as a seat of immense spiritual and temporal power, culminating in a living portrait of Durham today.”

The book is one the one hand a compelling story in its own right, and on the other a practical guide to the building and its monuments. It enriches and informs our understanding and appreciation, not only of Durham Cathedral, but also of the history of the region in which this great institution has played such an illustrious part.

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS
Imprint: Third Millennium Publishing, London
Author: John Field
Special photography: Malcolm Crowthers
Publication date: 28 November 2006 / RRP: £35 / ISBN: 1 903942 51 9
Specification: Hardback, 176 pages, 280x240 mm, over 100 images in colour and b/w

For further information contact Michael D Jackson, Marketing Manager, Third Millennium Information Ltd, 2-5 Benjamin St, EC1M 5QL. Tel: +44 (0)207 336 0144. Email: mj@tmiltd.com. Website: www.tmiltd.com