First of all, I would highlight the yet another masterpiece by art historian Kaur Alttoa beside his earlier monograph on St John Church in Tartu. However, it certainly does not diminish the contribution of the researchers of the building’s later periods Mariann Raisma and Krista Andreson to the compilation of the extensive work. It is important to stress that the text on art history that can easily sound too complex has been put together in a clear and comprehensive manner with excellent illustrations. It is naturally not something in your bedside reading list but certainly a book worth keeping within the reach of people interested in the topic. The museum has expanded the message of the book to the park area in front of the building as a well-designed outdoor exposition and this idea could be followed also by other architectural objects so that passers-by would have more to do than just take a few pictures. I would be really surprised if locals or Estonians interested in history did not have this highly detailed, colourful and masterful monograph compiled up to the standards of contemporary historical research on their bookshelf already.
Enriko Talvistu / art historian
Tartu Cathedral. The Book and the Outdoor Exposition
Kaur Alttoa, Krista Andreson, Raivo Randoja, Mariann Raisma