Henry Adams’
Mont-Saint-Michel
&
Chartres
Annotated & Illustrated
Edition
Henry Adams wrote Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres for readers and not aesthetic voyeurs. When it was first published in 1913, only twelve black-and-white images were included, leaving much of the visual content to the reader’s imagination. This edition aims to fill that gap with over 650 web linked images, accessible through the “Bibliography of Illustrations” at the end of each chapter, and accessible through the MStM&C Image Library.
The core text of this edition is based on the Project Gutenberg Foundation’s eBook of Adams’s work, released in October 2003. The book’s original charm has been preserved with only minor notes added for clarity. No edit’s have been made to Adams’ period writing style or any outdated spellings.
This edition includes multiple additional resources:
- Video Introductions: At the beginning of Chapters 1 and 5, videos introduce the principles of Gothic architecture.
- “Dormouse Dining” Sidebar: This section includes “Carte du Jure” topics that provide background information relevant to Adams’s text. Underlined text sections are cross- referenced with the “Dormouse Dining” and “Lookingglass Primer” for further reading and definitions. Google Translate links are available for quick translations.
- “The Hatter’s Magic Lantern”: A collection of linked topical videos.
- “The Raven’s Desk”: A resource for written topical published references.
- “The Hare’s March”: Contemporary updates on topical subjects.
This book catalogs one of the finest photographic collections of Chartres’ stained-glass windows to be found anywhere. These photographs, by Dr. Stuart Whatling, are integrated into Adams’ narrative, providing a seamless dialogue between the written word and the imagery. This edition provides several examples of figurative art dedicated to specific themes of the book. Paintings by the Pre-Raphaelites, Millais, Rossetti, Burne-Jones, and Waterhouse are woven into the text. Series illustrations from Louis Janmot’s ‘Poem of the Soul” to a twelve-plate collection of William Blake’s hand-colored etchings complete the visual narrative of the last quarter of the book.
All image permissions have been secured and are held by the author.
You can preview Chapter 1 here. For purchasing options, including the eBook and additional resources, visit the website’s purchase page.