Architecture for the gods

Advocates of aesthetic restraint in the service of God will find much to attack in this compendium of 43 highly adorned 20th-century North American houses of worship. Crosbie (architecture, Roger Williams Univ.) exercises able aesthetic and ecumenical judgment in his sensitive presentation of recent neo-baroque religious structures, which range from well-known national edifices to small abbeys. Each project and congregation is briefly introduced, followed by pages of photographs (exterior, interior, and ornamental details), site and floor plans, and elevations. Texts are descriptive and strive to capture how the architecture imparts and reinforces spiritual values and aspirations. Construction and renovation dates are often lacking, and some photos suffer from too much contrast. Nevertheless, this is an effective overview of affluent and awe-inspiring contemporary religious architecture. Most suitable for architecture collections but also for large public libraries.DRussell T. Clement, Northwestern Univ. Lib., Evanston, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.