The Cathedral Olssrch of Oxford. By Percy Dearmer. (G. Bell
and Sons.)—A vigorously written and eminently readable volume of " Bell's Cathedral Series." Oxford Cathedral has had, as Mr. Dearmer remarks, a somewhat unfortunate history. It would not be too muoh to say that the Cathedral has not benefited the College. nor the College the Cathedral. But the history, though there is much in it that we cannot read without regret, we might say indignation, is full of interest, and Mr. Dearmer follows it with manifest knowledge and appreciation. Oxford cannot be ranked for beauty high among English cathedrals ; in size it stands low on the list ; but it has many interesting things in it, foremost among them the considerable remains of Saxon work. This is to be seen in the capitals of the choir, with their orna- mentation, partly Saxon and partly Oriental, and quite unlike any Norman work. Succeeding centuries have added contribu- tions of their own, not always of the best kind. Wyatt had a turn here, as he unhappily had at other places, and there have been other architects, happily none quite so fatal, from whom the place has suffered many things. The history of the See is curious. It was founded by Henry VIII., and its first Bishop was the last Abbot of Osney, Robert King. He died in 1557. Between that year and 1604 it was vacant for forty-one years, Queen Elizabeth giving the income to various courtiers. John Bridges was appointed in 1604, and has had twenty-six successors (not reckon- ing the present holder). Two hundred and eighty-four years divided by twenty-six gives the very low average of eleven for each occupant of the See. But, then, Oxford used to be a poor bishopric, and translations were the rule.
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