Profile Books nabs Ziminski's 'fascinating' guide to the history of Britain’s churches in four-way auction

Profile Books has nabbed a “fascinating” illustrated guide to the history and architecture of Britain’s churches by stonemason and church conservator Andrew Ziminski. Profile editorial director Nick Humphrey bought UK and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada to Church Going from Antony Topping at Greene & Heaton in a four-way auction.

Illustrated by Clare Venables, the book will be published in autumn 2024. The publisher said: “Andrew Ziminski has spent decades as a stonemason and church conservator, acting as an informal guide to curious visitors, whether they are attending a service or admiring the craftsmanship. Church Going is his guide to the churches of the British Isles, detailing their features, furnishings and fascinating histories – from flying buttresses to rood-screens, lychgates to chancels.”

Humphrey commented: “Church Going will cast an entirely fresh light on the humble parish church. Who better to write about these fascinating buildings than Andrew Ziminski, whose intimate knowledge and infectious enthusiasm brings to life the secret lives of churches all around the British Isles and Ireland. We’re sure that this beautifully written and richly illustrated book will be the perfect present next Christmas, and for years to come.”

Ziminski is a stonemason, church conservator and the author of The Stonemason: A History of Building Britain (John Murray). He has four decades of experience working on cathedrals and churches in Britain, including the tower of Salisbury Cathedral and the dome of St Paul’s in London.

Ziminski said: “I’ve spent many years helping to preserve the features and furnishings of churches. I hope this book will help readers understand how they were used and what they can tell us about the lives, thoughts and fears of parishioners over the centuries. I want Church Going to create a new way of looking at these incredible buildings, and hope it will inspire some readers to tour the churches of the British Isles and Ireland with the book as their guide.”