"First published in Germany in 1951, and now finally available in English, Gunter Bandmann's classic Early Architecture as Bearer of Meaning has had a tremendous influence on architectural and medieval historians. Breaking away from the positivistic approaches dominant at the time, Bandmann moved beyond purely aesthetic interpretations to consider the religious, political, and sociological factors that shaped the development and reception of medieval architecture." "Looking at a range of buildings and churches throughout Europe and offering detailed analyses, Bandmann discusses sources for structural elements and forms and follows their development, combinations, flowerings, and fading."--Jacket.