John James, an Australian architect and historian, researched the origins of Gothic architecture. He analyzed stone structures' construction history, emphasizing early Gothic churches in the Paris region. His key finding: smaller buildings drove major innovations. This volume contains 42 of his studies on Gothic architecture in France.

Introduction History : A new chronology for French High Gothic: Consequences of The Ark of God An investigation into the uneven distribution of churches in the Paris Basin Memes and assumptions The evolution of medieval architecture from a symbolic perspective Evidence for flying buttresses before 1180; Chartres was lucky the Parisians were busy; Toichology: In defence of Toichology Were the transept porches at Chartres added; An examination of some anomalies in the ascension and incarnation portals of Chartres Cathedral Multiple contracting in the Saint-Denis chevet Could Suger have built the choir of Saint-Denis in four years? La construction de la façade occidentale de la cathédrale de Senlis The Masters and their methods A northern master for Clermont-Ferrand?; Vaulting The evolution of the rib vault; The peaked arch, and the earliest domical rib vaults in the Paris Basin The rib vaults of Durham cathedral; Rib Vaults in Italy Techniques: Medieval mortar ; Construction, cranes, formwork and timing Foliage And Decoration: The foliate capitals in the nave of Peterborough Cathedral The rustic master - a Chartrain master in Italy; Chapiteaux à feuilles d'acanthe du Portail Royal An analysis of chevron patterns and column patterns at Durham Geometry: An Architect's approach to Medieval Geometry Measuring and hunting geometry Medieval Units of Measure: the feet of the master The tools of Hues Libergier, Master Mason of the Thirteenth Century Chartres cathedral and the rule of geometry Four 'identical' windows The great western rose of Chartres cathedral The White Tower, discrepancies were deliberate Gothic pinnacles The two geometric layouts for la Sainte-Chapelle Meaning: The canopy of paradise The mystery of the great labyrinth, Chartres cathedral Medieval Astrology: the signs of the Zodiac on the Royal Portal of Chartres cathedral Changes in architectural symbolism Economics: What price the cathedrals?; How many built the churches? Funding the Early Gothic churches of the Paris Basin Index