Cistercian abbeys were places of meditation of simplicity and calm, elements that were reflected in their architecture. This welcome translation from the earlier French tradition is wonderfully illustrated and looks at the relationship between architecture and spiritualism and explores how the former encapsulated and reflected the latter. After a historical overview of 12th and 13th century abbeys and discussion of the everyday life and activities of the monks and nuns, Kinder studies the different parts of the abbey building along with maps, plans and lots of photographs.