The book considers the planning and construction of a cathedral in Chutreaux, France; a fictional locale. The cathedral is built in the Gothic style on the site of a small Romanesque church which is demolished—the Romanesque crypt is retained. Although the cathedral is fictional, the methods used are historically correct and the timeline presented is possible, if optimistic.

A new cathedral is proposed by the Bishop of Chutreaux, France, c. 1252. The townspeople approve of the cathedral as a way to demonstrate their devotion to God. The Bishop is supported by local clergymen, known as the Chapter, who control the disbursement of funding. The Bishop hires William of Planz, a famous architect and cathedral builder, to design and start cathedral construction. William of Planz designs and presents the plans for the new cathedral, and they are approved in 1252. Craftsmen are hired and work teams are...