Review
`This is the first complete edition of those [Pugin's] letters ever published and, when finished, will reach five volumes ... The quality of the editing is very high indeed and one looks forward to the remaining volumes.' Contemporary Review
`Margaret Belcher has embarked on a great work both of dedication and scholarship.' Rosemary Hill, TLS
`The letters give us Pugin "without disguise" ... The quality of the editing is very high indeed and one looks forward to the remaining volumes' Contemporary Review
`Margaret Belcher's bibliography of Pugin's work, published in 1987, was invaluable, and her editing of his Letters ... will place many more students and scholars further in her debt. Perhaps only those who have tried to read Pugin's extraordinary handwriting can truly appreciate the scale of her achievement. In the style of her subject, she has taken on alone an enterprise that might easily have occupied a whole team.' Rosemary Hill, TLS
`Margaret Belcher has embarked on a great work both of dedication and scholarship.' Rosemary Hill, TLS
`The letters give us Pugin "without disguise" ... The quality of the editing is very high indeed and one looks forward to the remaining volumes' Contemporary Review
`Margaret Belcher's bibliography of Pugin's work, published in 1987, was invaluable, and her editing of his Letters ... will place many more students and scholars further in her debt. Perhaps only those who have tried to read Pugin's extraordinary handwriting can truly appreciate the scale of her achievement. In the style of her subject, she has taken on alone an enterprise that might easily have occupied a whole team.' Rosemary Hill, TLS
Book Description
The importance of A. W. N. Pugin (1812-52) in the history of the Gothic Revival, in the development of ecclesiology, in the origins of the Arts and Crafts movement, and in architectural theory is incontestable. A leading British architect who was also a designer of furniture, silver, textiles, stained glass, and jewellery, he is one of the most significant figures of the mid-nineteenth century and one of the greatest designers. His correspondence is important because it provides more insight into the man and more information about his work than any other source. It cuts a cross-section through early Victorian society: his correspondents range from earls and bishops to painters and tradesmen. The letters illuminate major public events like the Oxford Movement, the (Roman) Catholic revival, and the Great Exhibition of 1851. They are vigorous, direct, often witty and provide an invaluable source for architectural and religio-historical research. Dr Belcher's very thorough research generally transforms what has often been a blank area, drawing together many sources. By 1842, when this volume ends, Pugin is established in his career. He has written books, designed buildings, found his faith, and made himself known.
From the Publisher
5 black and white plates, 17 line drawings
About the Author
Margaret Belcher is at University of Canterbury.
