St Paul's Cathedral

Abstract

THE author of this magnificent monograph to the genius of Sir Christopher Wren, as exemplified in the neo-classic masterpiece of St. Paul's Cathedral, has produced with immense skill a work adequate for its subject. Just and yet sensitive feeling, a perfection of refinement in draughtsmanship, and a devoted patience in execution, are distinctive throughout this work. The standard set is high indeed and has reached the peak of accomplishment; it has been held there throughout, with an almost grim determination. If there is a sense of effort in the monograph—a feeling as of a continuous striving—throughout this great record, which is not too apparent in the original work itself—that must be set down to the invariable difference between the soaring accomplishments of genius and those of the more mundane service of the historian; which last must pursue naturally a more pedestrian route, and follow the way of prose. This, of course, will always be apparent unless the supreme artist enlightens us with his appraisement and knowledge, as reflecting on the work of another artist; for he alone could bring to the matter that unimpeachable intuition of the artist and the craftsman, native to the medium in which both work.

St Paul's Cathedral.

By Arthur F. E. Poley. With introduction by Sir Reginald Blomfield. (Printed for the Author, “Willowbank”, Hampton Hill, Middlesex.) £7 7s. net.