The Cathedral (Huysmans novel)

The Cathedral (French: La Cathédrale) is a novel by Joris-Karl Huysmans, published in 1898. It is the third in a series of novels following the spiritual journey of its protagonist, Durtal, after Là-Bas (1891) and En Route (1895).

The Cathedral departs significantly from the decadent themes of Huysmans' earlier works and focuses on Durtal's increasing devotion to Catholicism and his immersion in the symbolism and history of Chartres Cathedral. Durtal moves to the town of Chartres to be closer to the cathedral, seeing it as a refuge from the perceived moral decay of Paris.

The novel is heavily descriptive, detailing the architectural features of the cathedral, its stained glass windows, liturgical practices, and the lives of the people associated with it. Huysmans explores the mystical and spiritual significance of these elements, drawing upon his extensive research into Catholic tradition and symbolism.

Through Durtal's interactions with Canon Docre and the bell-ringer Gévingey, the novel delves into topics such as the lives of saints, the history of the cathedral, and the symbolism of Gregorian chant. It presents a detailed and often esoteric interpretation of Catholic dogma.

The Cathedral is considered a key work in Huysmans' transition from decadent literature to Catholic novels. While less shocking than Là-Bas, it remains a significant example of his stylistic prose and his fervent embrace of religious faith. The novel is appreciated for its artistic descriptions and its detailed exploration of Catholic symbolism, although it has also been criticized for its didactic tone and its occasionally dense and encyclopedic style. The book provides a detailed and passionate, albeit subjective, interpretation of Catholic art and liturgy.