The Sagrada Familia

Terrifically stirring…A gripping firsthand account of Gaudi’s power to melt the mind * New York Times (praise for ‘Gaudi’) *Brilliant * Observer (praise for ‘Guernica’) *The most extraordinary and important biography … A vivid, painstaking portrait of an almost mediaeval figure brooding over the 20th century – Jane Gardam, Books of the Year * Independent (praise for ‘Gaudi’) *Intoxicating … Instantly engages … Van Hensbergen’s rich, poetic prose is perfectly suited to describe this unprecedented work of art. An engrossing, vivid inquiry into a man and his magisterial creation * Kirkus *The manic beauty of Antoni Gaudí’s ‘bible in stone’ is evoked by the richly nuanced prose of Gijs van Hensbergen. In many ways an autobiography, this exquisite book also offers vivid insights into the life of the eccentric Gaudí, Catalan culture and the roles of the Vatican and of iconoclastic anarchists. A wonderment of an essay about a wonderment of a building – Peter PrestonGijs van Hensbergen has pulled off a remarkable feat, taming the monstre sacre of 20th century architecture, without diminishing him – Deyan Sudjic, Director of the Design Museum, LondonFascinating and instructive … Anyone going for the first time should read van Hensbergen’s perceptive interpretation of what he calls Gaudí’s most quixotic work – Simon Courtauld * Spectator *

Gijs van Hensbergen is a Dutch art historian, food critic and Hispanist. A former Harry Ransom Research Fellow, van Hensbergen has given lectures across the world, including at the Museo del Prado, the Queen Sofia Institute in New York, the National Gallery in London and at the prestigious El Escorial summer school, Universidad de Complutense, Madrid. He appears frequently on BBC4 and Radio 4, TV3 and TV España and has contributed to, amongst many others, the Guardian, The Times, El Pais, La Vanguardia and the Economist. Gijs van Hensbergen leads specialist guided tours to Spain and the United States.