GREAT CATHEDRALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27517, 11 October 1950, Page 2

GREAT CATHEDRALS

Glories Of English Gothic

Portrait of Lincoln Cathedral. By G. H. Cook. The English Cathedrals. Phoenix House. 12s 6d. Portrait of Salisbury Cathedral. By G. H. Cook. The English Cathedrals. Phoenix House. 12s 6d. There have been many learned studies of the English cathedrals and many descriptions of them in more general worlcs, but there has been nothing quite like the treatment given in this series. It can be summarised in the words on the back of one of these two volumes —68 photographs, 15,000 word text. The pages are large and the paper of good quality so that the art of the camera can be well displayed. The text is also well set out and the material, historical and technical, is easily read and easy to refer to. These are handsome and dignified productions which make an instant appeal to the eye, and do not fail to satisfy the mind. At the modest price they are notable examples of modern English book production.. , Like Salisbury Cathedral, Lincoln is almost entirely a creation of the thirteenth century, but their beauties are complementary. Lincoln, which Ruskin called “ out .and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles,” marks the summit of Early English Gothic: Salisbury belongs to the “Lancet Style” (long narrow windows) and has suffered from nineteenth century “ restoration.” Set, however, in a spacious close “ one of the loveliest in the land,” it must remain, in the general view, one of the most impressive of the ecclesiastical mopuments. The author’s mastery of his subject is clear from his text. It is not cumbered with detail, but it outlines the history of the building, its architectural and general interest, and finds space for reference to some fascinating pieces of detail, historical and legendary. For example in the building of the Angel Choir at Lincoln, in order to stimulate the contribution of the faithful, the head of St. Hugh—the founder of the cathedral—“ was detached from the body and used as a receptacle for gifts and treasures.” And at Salisbury there is the story of the “boy bishops” who were appointed every year and for a fortnight held full powers while the choristers became “ canons.” D. G. B.