“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._
“It is an extremely interesting book about a familiar though still
unexhausted subject. The illustrations are many and good.”—_Record._
The Library of Useful Stories.