The author of «Vollständige Anweisung, alle Arten von Kirchen wohl anzugeben», Christoph Leonhard Sturm, started teaching at university after his studies. His subjects were mathematics and architecture, with a focus on the construction of civil and military buildings. It is said that Sturm himself rarely built and rather devoted himself to his theoretical works.
It seems that this occupation strongly contributed to the creation of this book. The detailed title indicates that churches must be precisely and completely distinguished from each other and suggests that these different types of churches are described in the book according to their respective characteristics.
A table of contents is shown. However, Sturm introduces other subtitles in the course of his treatise and fills them with content.
In the first part it seems as if he recites another man a lot (Nikolaus Goldmann) but also introduces further instructions and his own notes through continuous text and small calculations. In the second half of the book, this typical and theory-rich chapter structure disappears and is replaced by small sections. In these so-called «tabs», Sturm briefly explains the different types of churches. These are followed by the respective extremely accurately drawn plan illustrations (floor plans, sections and elevations).
The book gives me the impression of an instruction manual of sacral architecture. Accordingly, it would be dedicated to architects and should assist them in the design and planning process of churches or could be used as part of teaching. Through the large collection of church plans, Sturm conveys an image of his instructions to the addressee not only with words but also visually.
Physically, the book is rather thin. This indicates that there may be other similar instructions. It would make sense if other types of buildings were explained in it, such as private residences.