The invocation of St. Christopher is, oddly enough, the point
at which the ordinary modern man draws nearest the mediaeval religious mind. Washed off the walls of our churches, where passers by could ask his protection from the dangers of the road, he now finds an uneasy home between the switchboard and the speedometer, and accompanies his clients on their perilous flights. Our ancestors, however, did- not limit the Saint's usefulness so narrowly. St. Christopher was expected to protect from " all sores and sicknesses," as well as side- slips, those who had looked upon his countenance : hence, the great series of wall-paintings of the Saint which are found in English parish churches opposite the main entrance, where they could be quickly seen. Mr. H. C. Whaite has visited and copied practically all the surviving specimens, and in St. Christopher in English Wall-paintings (Benn, 10s. 6d.) he reproduces, with an interesting introduction and descriptive catalogue, examples which range from the pure Gothic art of the thirteenth century to fifteenth century designs exhibiting Flemish and German influence. The result is a monograph of great interest and usefulness to all students of mediaeval art.
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