Book excerpt: Richly illustrated, this book investigates human figural sculpture installed in church portals of mid-twelfth century France. Janet Snyder takes a close look at sculpture at more than twenty churches, describes represented ensembles, defines the language of textiles and dress, and investigates rationale and significance in context. She analyzes how patrons employed sculpture to express and shape perceived reality, using images of textiles and clothing that had political, economic, and social significances.