Europe’s medieval cathedrals are not just architectural wonders. They are human stories of triumph and tragedy, dreams, and hubris. 1,000 years of cathedral building shaped modern Europe, as well as influencing art and culture around the world. But how did the builders of the cathedrals want to shape the future through their visions and efforts, and is our present something they’d embrace or revile?
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Emma J. Wells is an expert in the research and historical context of ecclesiastical and secular historic buildings. She has 15 years’ experience within the historic buildings and built heritage sector, in a career that spans both consultancy and academia. She is also a broadcaster and author. Her book Pilgrim Routes of the British Isles was released in 2016. Her most recent book, Heaven on Earth: The Lives & Legacies of the World’s Great Cathedrals, was published by Head of Zeus in 2022. Emma is also a regular writer for Church Times, Tudor Places, BBC History, History Today, Minerva, History Revealed, BBC Countryfile, and Welcome to Yorkshire, and acts as a specialist tour guide, unravelling the history of architectural sites across the UK.
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Books by Emma J. Wells:
Heaven on Earth: The Lives and Legacies of the World's Greatest Cathedrals
Pilgrim Routes of the British Isles
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Welcome to Future Perfect, a new Podcast that spans topics as diverse as history, architecture, archaeology, and culture, arts and sciences, technology, and futurology – and seeks to find connections between the past and present as well as all the potential futures. Please like, subscribe, and share links to the channel, and ‘Buy me a Coffee’, if you like these videos and want to see more.
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