Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

The story of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis covers 352 years of history, illuminating key moments in time and tracing the development and growth of the United States and the Midwest region, the establishment of the city of St. Louis, the influence of Catholicism, and the building of the Basilica of St. Louis: King of France (the Old Cathedral) (1834), St. John the Apostle & Evangelist (1860), the Pro-Cathedral (1864–1914), and the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (1914–present). Highlighting its architectural and structural design and refinements; building construction; the design, installation, and completion of its magnificent mosaics; and key moments in time, all with illustrations, this book offers a chronological look at the historic foundations of one of the great cathedrals of the world. Starting from the very beginning, when the Marquette and Joliet Expedition traveled down the Mississippi River in 1673, the story of how this magnificent Cathedral came to be is remarkable. Join author, architect, and historian John Guenther as he seeks to “connect the dots” of history and takes readers through a visual journey of the key events that led to the building of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. Discover the vision, determination, persistence, collaboration, creativity, and innovation on the part of so many for the design and realization of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. Read more