The School of the West' was so named by Harold Leask some 40 years ago, and described a number of churches built to the west of the Shannon, in the early 13th century. Here, Kalkreuter reassesses this tradition' devised by Leask and the geographical, historical and stylistic elements on which this was based. She also looks extensively at the broader picture, at the impact of the Cistercians in Britain and Ireland, and most especiially on western Ireland, and the relationship between vernacular and sacred architecture. The majority of the book is taken up with a detailed description and comparative analysis of the architecture of Boyle Abbey and other abbeys of the School. Includes a catalogue of buildings, with plans.