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Published by Kulturalis
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Table of Contents
About the Book
The stained-glass windows of England’s cathedrals illuminate interior spaces, communicate religious and other messages, and – perhaps – offer a glimpse of heaven. This book tells the remarkable story of these much-loved works of art.
"...packed with superb colour photographs... This book is a wonderful companion to cathedral-crawling, not least in helping the crawlers work out what is, and what isn't, worth seeing" - Simon Heffer, Telegraph"
A beautifully illustrated guide" — Premier Christianity
“[The] thrilling tale of the medium’s continuity… is set forth by Janet Gough, the erstwhile director of Cathedrals and Church buildings at the C of E, in her latest book, Divine Light” — World of Interiors
"I would recommend that you visit some of these cathedrals, book in hand." — The Methodist Recorder
The stained-glass windows of England’s cathedrals illuminate interior spaces, communicate religious and other messages, and – perhaps – offer us a glimpse of heaven. This book tells the remarkable story of these much-loved works of art.
Divine Light features glass from every Church of England cathedral. It spans 900 years, beginning with the windows installed at Canterbury Cathedral following the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170 and representing every subsequent century in the history of English stained glass. Divine Light encompasses the Middle Ages, the Reformation, the hugely productive ‘long 19th century’, the Pre-Raphaelites, the Arts and Crafts movement, the creative commissions of the 20th century, and the innovative glass being commissioned by cathedrals today.
The book establishes the connections between the artistic beauty of stained glass, its effectiveness as a narrative medium, and the various technical developments that have shaped the work of practitioners over the centuries. The refraction of light through colored glass emerges as an early form of mass communications that retains its power to move and inspire today.
"...packed with superb colour photographs... This book is a wonderful companion to cathedral-crawling, not least in helping the crawlers work out what is, and what isn't, worth seeing" - Simon Heffer, Telegraph"
A beautifully illustrated guide" — Premier Christianity
“[The] thrilling tale of the medium’s continuity… is set forth by Janet Gough, the erstwhile director of Cathedrals and Church buildings at the C of E, in her latest book, Divine Light” — World of Interiors
"I would recommend that you visit some of these cathedrals, book in hand." — The Methodist Recorder
The stained-glass windows of England’s cathedrals illuminate interior spaces, communicate religious and other messages, and – perhaps – offer us a glimpse of heaven. This book tells the remarkable story of these much-loved works of art.
Divine Light features glass from every Church of England cathedral. It spans 900 years, beginning with the windows installed at Canterbury Cathedral following the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170 and representing every subsequent century in the history of English stained glass. Divine Light encompasses the Middle Ages, the Reformation, the hugely productive ‘long 19th century’, the Pre-Raphaelites, the Arts and Crafts movement, the creative commissions of the 20th century, and the innovative glass being commissioned by cathedrals today.
The book establishes the connections between the artistic beauty of stained glass, its effectiveness as a narrative medium, and the various technical developments that have shaped the work of practitioners over the centuries. The refraction of light through colored glass emerges as an early form of mass communications that retains its power to move and inspire today.
Product Details
- Publisher: Kulturalis (September 29, 2026)
- Length: 120 pages
- ISBN13: 9781836360353
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Raves and Reviews
"Divine Light encompasses the Middle Ages, the Reformation, the hugely productive ‘long nineteenth century’, the Arts and Crafts movement, the creative commissions of the twentieth century."
– Inspire Cheshire
"""Excellent new book on the stained glass of England's Anglican cathedrals"" ""Divine Light is divided into three parts, all of them packed with superb colour photographs"" ""This book is a wonderful companion to cathedral-crawling, not least in helping the crawlers work out what is, and what isn't, worth seeing"""
– The Telegraph
"The novel gives new perspectives and stories on the stained glass across the country, particularly focusing on the Church of England windows."
– Ely Standard
"Now architectural historian Janet is about to launch her fourth book, “Divine Light”, celebrating the remarkable story of stained glass."
– People's Friend
Featured in Stained Glass magazine.
– Stained Glass
"In her new book, Janet Gough has brought together 50 of the most beautiful windows in England, marking their history and meaning."
– Daily Mail
Divine Light was featured in the Catholic Herald.
– Catholic Herald
The author of Divine Light was interviewed on BBC Radio Berkshire.
– BBC Radio Berkshire
"""A beautifully illustrated guide"" ""A vivid guide to 50 stained-glass windows, helping visitors better appreciate the works they encounter. It’s the kind of book you’ll find in cathedral gift shops – and one that would make a thoughtful gift for anyone drawn to church buildings but yet to encounter the Saviour they honour. It is a gentle and beautiful way to awaken interest in the divine"""
– Premier Christianity
"“[The] thrilling tale of the medium’s continuity… is set forth by Janet Gough, the erstwhile director of Cathedrals and Church buildings at the C of E, in her latest book, Divine Light” “In the esteemed tradition of Nikolaus Pevsner… [the book] is a survey of all 43 of England’s Anglican cathedrals” “In its organisation… [the book is] expertly hinged on the compelling caesura of Christopher Wren’s clear glass panes at St Paul’s”"
– World of Interiors
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