University of Stone

Philip Ball's book Bright Earth: Art and the Invention of Color was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award; his Critical Mass: How One Thing Leads to Another won the UK's Aventis Prize. He is a consulting editor for Nature magazine, and he lives in London.

“A lively biography of Chartres Cathedral. . . . Ball’s account of its construction reveals fascinating details . . . and evokes its raison d’être.” — The New Yorker

“Ball brings to light a largely forgotten phase of human understanding. It is a considerable achievement.” — Peter Ackroyd, The Times (London)

“There is no better general introduction to the subject... [Ball’s] account is bold and plausible.” — Wall Street Journal

“Lively...Ball puts the fun back in medieval scholasticism...seems as much at ease on the medieval building site as in an abbey library.” — Los Angeles Times

“A terrific book…A lucid, thoughtful tour de force…A fascinating book with important insights and observations on every page.” — Christian Science Monitor

“Anyone who has been thrilled by the great Gothic cathedrals will revel in this study of both the spiritual and architectural qualities of those medieval wonders. Ball’s passion, sharp critical mind, and fluid prose open a window onto the remote, alien world we call the Middle Ages.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Ball leaves no stone unturned . . . A revelatory look at a seminal period in art history.” — Kirkus Reviews