'Salisbury Cathedral', a famously beautiful work of ecclesiastical architecture, was erected within about 40 years in a single style (Early English Gothic), the only substantial additions being the tower and spire, which were completed by about 1330. Tim Tatton-Brown reveals the story of how a great medieval cathedral was built, from the laying of the very first foundations in 1219 to the completion of the great spire, the tallest in Britain at 122 metres high. Drawing on history and geology as well as his expertise in architecture, he shows the wider context of the building, situating its development against the background of English politics of successive ages. He covers with similar authority the relatively few later changes to the structure, right up to the recent installation of a fine new font. His text is accompanied by outstanding new photographs by John Crook, along with drawings, engravings and other illustrations.