With lavish illustrations, this chronicles the story of the highly skilled artisans of France, renowned throughout the world for their beautiful monuments and buildings such as the cathedrals at Chatres, Orleans and Strasbourg. These craftsmen's guilds of stonecutters, plasterers, wood and metal workers, have survived centuries of change since the Middle Ages when they were first established and now encompass a wide variety of modern day professions such as automobile designers and pastry chefs. With over 200 full colour illustrations of the craftmen's work this book explores the history and modern day significance of the French guild system, how it has expanded and adapted, retaining many of its colourful traditions, high standards of quality and handcraftmanship within an increasingly mechanized world. (Kirkus UK)
