Synagogues, their history and decoration, represent an illuminating record of the cultural and artistic history of the Jewish people.

As a focal point for community life as well as a spiritual centre, the synagogue has both a symbolic and a practical significance. From its origins in the Tabernacle, through the exuberant Venetian synagogues of the Renaissance, to the often stark simplicity of modern buildings, Harold Meek examines the fascinating story of the building that remains central to every Jewish community.

His spirited narrative shows the diverse ways in which a vast array of cultural influences have merged to produce a rich and coherent heritage in the fields of architecture and decoration. A meticulously researched and magnificently illustrated tome, The Synagogue combines spiritual and aesthetic sensitivity with a passion for human creativity, producing an erudite and accessible introduction not just for the scholar, but for anybody with an interest in the subject.