Simon Jenkins

We’re supremely lucky to live in one of England’s finest cathedral cities. Europe’s cathedrals are magnificent: they outstrip palaces and castles. They are the most sensational group of structures anywhere in the world – those which everyone should ‘see before they die’. They are also hugely popular, most of them absolutely packed. They are humankind’s greatest creations.

In Europe’s 100 Best Cathedrals, Simon Jenkins has travelled the continent – from Chartres to York, Cologne to Florence, Toledo to Moscow and Stockholm to Seville – to illuminate old favourites and highlight new discoveries. Beautifully illustrated with colour photographs throughout, this joyous exploration of Europe’s history tells the stories behind these wonders, showing the cathedral’s central role in the European imagination. Readers will be inspired to make their own pilgrimage to all one hundred of them.

“Simon Jenkins has provided a feast for both eyes and mind in this sumptuously illustrated guide to Europe’s greatest cathedrals. His introduction, and description of the history and architecture of each cathedral, bring the living reality of these works of art into sharp and vivid focus” – John Barton, author of A History of the Bible

Simon is the author of the bestselling A Short History of England, A Short History of Europe, Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations, England’s Thousand Best Churches and England’s Thousand Best Houses. He is a former Editor of the Evening Standard and The Times, and columnist for the Guardian. We’re absolutely delighted to welcome him once again to Ely for a presentation to cause us to open our eyes anew.