(Written by Brenda's husband who likes this sort of book.) For all those who like reading about the lost buildings of London. This is especially so for those who are aware that a major, mediaeval cathedral stood on the site of the present baroque cathedral which was gutted and partially destroyed by the Great Fire of 1666. There have been other books available that give adequate descriptions and drawings of this old building but Mr Schofield's latest book easily surpasses them in its scope and content. I can only take a precis of what is stated on the back cover and written in far better prose than I could ever manage.
[This report is the first ever comprehensive account of the archaeology and history of the cathedral and its churchyard from Roman times up to the construction of the Wren building which began in 1675. Archaeological excavations go back to the time of Wren. Recent excavations in and around the Wren building are described and some of the architectural fragments of the mediaeval building dug up over the last 150 years are studied. Documents, surveys and early maps show the development of the religious complex and illuminate the lives of the occupants. In the 1630's a classical portico was added to the west end by Inigo Jones. From these varied sources the cathedrals which existed before Wren come to the surface again.]
(Brenda's husband again.) I am very enthralled by this book and would give it more stars if Amazon would let me. Mr Schofield packs a formidable amout of information into its nearly 400 pages of text. He is not for the faint hearted but anyone with an interest in the subject will not find any problems navigating their way through its generous number of pages to their complete satisfaction.
Yes, it is expensive but books of this sort of quality and expert knowledge such as this comes at a price as I have said in other reviews. Some seriously good discounts are there to be taken advantage of for those who look around. After all, these days it is only a few days smoking or a several nights drinking in the local pub. Or maybe the cost of a Premier Division football ticket which soon become a faint memory especially if the team you favoured got thrashed! This book will be with you as a source of reference for the rest of your life.
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