Bill Smith

A Cathedral for the 21st Century Bill Smith

An oral biography and new and historic photography are combined to tell the story of New York City's Cathedral of St. John the Divine Presents the history of hub of culture and faith in New York City narrated by those who made it happen New York City's Cathedral of St. John the Divine has been built stone by stone, story by story for over 125 years. Now collected for the first time in one stunning volume, this oral biography gathers stories behind the still unfinished Cathedral. Over 175 voices, compiled from new interviews and archived material, speak to the fascinating reasons why church and city leaders decided to build the world's largest Gothic Cathedral, the meaning behind the building's architecture, and an inside look at some of the world's most noteworthy events. New photos and freshly unearthed snapshots of the majestic structure punctuate this tome. The words of Bishops and Deans are collected alongside those of Cathedral Artists in Residence Phillipe Petit and Judy Collins, public figures David Dinkins and Al Gore, artists Madeleine L'Engle and Jessye Norman, Cathedral employees, neighborhood residents, and more, illustrating the vibrant life that fills this colossal building.