The Cathedral

'The Cathedral' is a novel written by J.-K. Huysmans. It is the third of Huysmans' books to feature the character Durtal, a thinly disguised portrait of the author. He had already featured the character of Durtal in Là-bas and En route, which recounted his conversion to Catholicism. The Cathedral continues the story. After his retreat at a Trappist monastery, Durtal moved to the city of Chartres, renowned for its cathedral. Huysmans describes the building in great detail.