THE CATHEDRALS OF FRANCE. By T. Francis Bumpus. (Werner Laurie.
31s. 6d.)—This is the reissue in one volume, revised and edited by Mrs. E. M. Lang, of the late Mr. Burnous's original two-volume edition. This issue has eight illustrations in colour and ninety half-tone plates ; but it has a novel and tragic feature in the appendices which describe the damage done during the War and the progress of restoration. It is unnecessary to criticize or describe a work so well established in popular favour ; but for those not familiar with it one may say that it gives an ultra detailed account of the architectural composition in each case, which is instructive but difficult to follow without the building before you ; and there is no literary gift in the description. For instance, this concerning Le Mans :—
" In the clerestory here we see tmcusped lancets diminishing in height and number with their enclosing arches. They are com- pletely filled with glass of the most recherché description." .
The closing sentence is almost comic ; there may be something in other cathedrals to rival those blues and purples of the thirteenth century, set in that marvellous intricate framework of stone ; but nothing can exceed the intoxication of their beauty. Yet it left Mr. Bumpus quite sober.
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