Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres

Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres

Henry Adams's classic meditation on medieval culture and architecture, Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres , originally published privately in 1904 and publicly in 1913, is a travelogue of sorts, chronicling his journeys, observations, and encounters with the French Medieval architectural monuments. Critic Maurice le Briton described it as "undoubtedly Adams's greatest work" and, when read alongside The Education of Henry Adams , critic Raymond Carney remarked that the two works may be read as a "spiritual autobiography." Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres transcends its travelogue premise, with Adams's journey being more than just to tourist sites but towards a meaningful engagement with the Medieval worldview for which these epic cathedrals are a lasting testament. Henry Adams's Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres is a must-read for those with an interest in architecture, history, art, and literature. Henry Adams (1838-1918) was an American historian and author, noted for his brilliant and award-winning works. Born in 1838, he was a descendant of two prominent American families, the Adams and the Lees. He was raised in Quincy, Massachusetts and graduated from Harvard University in 1858. He was a professor of medieval history at Harvard for a number of years and wrote several articles and books on the subject. Adams was best known for his book, The Education of Henry Adams , which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1919. This book was an autobiographical reflection on Adams’ life, beginning with his childhood and continuing up to the end of the 19th century. He also wrote other works, such as Mont Saint-Michel and Chartres , which focused on the history of France. Adams was a prominent social figure in Washington D.C. and was a friend of several presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt and William McKinley. He was also a member of the Harvard Board of Overseers and the Massachusetts Historical Society. In addition to his work as an historian, Adams was also a successful businessman. He invested in numerous businesses, such as railroads, land real estate, utilities, and insurance companies. His investments enabled him to financially support his writing. Adams died in Washington D.C. in 1918. He left behind an impressive body of work, which earned him a Pulitzer Prize and the title of one of America's greatest historians.