Compte de L'Oeuvre de la Cathédrale de Chartres en 1415-1416 by Luc. Merlet
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Don't expect a novel. Compte de L'Oeuvre de la Cathédrale de Chartres is exactly what the title says: the official financial account for the cathedral's fabric (the 'Oeuvre') for one year, 1415-1416. Edited by historian Lucien Merlet, it's a primary source, a ledger. The 'plot' is the year's budget. It lists income from rents and offerings, and every single expense—paying stonemasons, buying nails and glass, purchasing wax for candles, even covering travel costs for the canons. The story it tells is one of relentless, practical maintenance of a sacred space during the tumultuous Hundred Years' War.
Why You Should Read It
This book turns a monument into a workplace. Chartres Cathedral stops being just a silent, perfect postcard and becomes a living institution with leaky roofs and payroll. You see the human scale of the divine. A few lines for a payment to the 'serpent player' on feast days suddenly fills the stone vaults with sound. An entry for cleaning the choir reminds you that medieval floors got dirty, too. It's history from the ground up, told in the language of commerce and care. Merlet's presentation makes this accessible, providing just enough context to let the document speak for itself.
Final Verdict
This is a niche read, but a rewarding one. It's perfect for history buffs who love real documents, for fans of Chartres or Gothic architecture who want to go beyond the guidebooks, and for anyone curious about the unglamorous, daily reality behind historical wonders. It's not a page-turner, but a contemplative piece. Think of it as an archaeological dig in book form, where you're brushing away centuries of dust to find the receipts.
Legal analysis indicates this work is in the public domain. It is now common property for all to enjoy.
Edward Clark
8 months agoI came across this while browsing and the pacing is just right, keeping you engaged. A true masterpiece.