Canterbury Cathedral; A Book of Pictures
Published by the Dean and Chapter, 1948. Small quarto (8 3/4 inches tall, staple-bound in original illustrated wrapper. Gift inscription to a young chorister to half-title, gentle toning to edges, mild spotting to rear wrapper. A near-fine copy. Item #1269
"IN THE QUIRE OF CANTERBURY WE STAND IN THE 'HOLY OF HOLIES OF ENGLISH CHRISTENDOM'"
Charming post-war guidebook to the iconic Canterbury Cathedral—illustrated throughout with photographs and sketches
Often described as "England in Stone," the history of Canterbury Cathedral is England's history: "From its first Archbishop, Augustine, who established Christianity in England to Archbishop Langton’s role in the Magna Carta negotiations and the power struggle between King Henry II and Archbishop Thomas Becket, Canterbury Cathedral’s history is as rich as it comes" (Introduction to Canterbury Cathedral). Appearing shortly after the Second World War, this "book of pictures" was edited by John Corner and printed by the Curwen Press in red-and-black.
Contents: 1. The Exterior, 2. The Quire, 4. The Nave, 5. The Crypt, 6. Monuments and Effigies, 7. The Monastic Buildings, 8. The King's School, 9. Canterbury as a Place of Pilgrimage. Designed by Stanley Hickson and abundantly illustrated with black-and-white photographs (including full-page plates) by John Moody and drawings by Hickson. Begun in 2016, the Cathedral is currently winding down "The Canterbury Journey," a massive repair and restoration of the upper West end of the Cathedral and its Towers, Nave, and Christ Church Gate.
Price: $40.00