PEEL, ST. GERMAIN, INTERIOR.
Printed by Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury.
PRESS NOTICES OF FIRST EDITION.
“A short introduction sets out the plan followed in describing the churches. This plan is quite the most valuable feature of the book, the several structures being examined as architectural organisms which were slowly built up during centuries of developing ritual and strenuous constructive effort. We are first given the principal historic facts as to foundation and early history, and are then taken to the vestiges of the earliest church of which any part survives. The constructive evolution is then briefly followed through the centuries—in some cases, one thousand years and more—during which each great church was developed into its state of greatest glory and passed into the era of decline, mutilation, and—worst of all—modern restoration.”—W. R. Lethaby (University Extension Journal).
“A practical, sensible, and well-informed book, beautifully illustrated. Its method is clear, rational, and helpful.”—Bookman.
“It is an easily portable conspectus of the whole subject. Furnished with this we may go over England and Wales and gain a fair working knowledge of all the cathedral churches.”—Spectator.
“He writes with knowledge, clearness, and vivacity, and the result is a fascinating book on a subject which has engrossed many learned but tedious pens.”—The Speaker.
“Should be found helpful and illuminating both to the stay-at-home reader and to those who carry the book with them on pilgrimage to the famous English minsters.”—Scotsman.
“A clear, emphatic, and vigorous statement of the ordinary facts illustrating the architectural history of every building that is at the present day of cathedral rank in England and Wales. It is copiously and usefully illustrated. The style is always direct and forcible, and Mr. Bond steers so carefully clear of fads that his general views can, as a rule, be trusted as well as his particular details.”—Manchester Guardian.