Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 11.djvu/363

 NOTICES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL PUBLICATIONS. 303 the year 1200, to the capitals from St. Nicholas, at Blois. (See woodcuts, Nos. VIII. and IX.) The illustrations we have the satisfaction of placing before our readers may serve to give some idea of the amount of new and interesting matter which the architectural student will find in this volume ; even these, we think, will suffice to show how much truth there is in Mr. Petit's observation. " I am sure a student would obtain more knowledge of English architecture by noticing a limited number of English buildings, and also of foreign ones, each, of course, being taken in different localities, than by giving up his time exclusively to the former, and examining every church or old specimen in the country. If his aim is not merely his own information, but the advancement of Art, the necessity is still greater that he should extend his views." As we have before said, neither the scope of this Journal, nor the space at our disposal, will admit of our noticing the sesthetical part of this work with the care it deserves ; we will, therefore, confine ourselves to com- mending it to our readers' attention ; but we cannot refrain from quoting, in conclusion, an observation well worthy of beino- borne in mind in these days of " restorfflion," and with which every one who knows what the true spirit and aims of archaeology are, will sincerely agree. " We are too much in the habit of considering a work poor and unworthy of notice or preserva- tion, because it belongs to what we call a debased style. We forget that it may, notwithstanding, be the work of a great mind, and bear the impress of both genius and feeling. For these how often are the results of mere technical knowledge of a good style substituted. There is scarcely a restored church but will furnish an instance." A HANDBOOK OF BURY ST. EDMUNDS, in the County of Suffolk. By Samuel Tymms, F.S.A., Hon. Sec. of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and Natural History. Bury : Printed for the Author. 12mo. ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY, BURY ST. EDMUNDS. By Samuel Tymms, F.S.A. Bury : Jackson and Frost. London : Simpkin and Marshall. 4to. Amongst those populous and flourishing towns which grew up in England during the medieval period, under the influence of wealthy conventual foundations, or near sites hallowed by some strong reverential feeling, scarcely any occupied a more important position than Bury St. Edmunds. In several instances, Avhere the confluence of population had been drawn from an early period to concentrate itself near some great monastic or ecclesiastical foundation, it is evident that there were not wanting also local conditions of attraction and advantage which stimulated the growth of towns and cities. Bury St. Edmunds, presenting few local advantages as regards trade or manufactures, comparatively remote from the coast, and placed on no great line of thoroughfare or communication with other populous cities, rose to a degree of importance and magnificence, of which the vestiges even now, crumbling in decay, preserve the memorial. Few have approached a more attractive subject of historical and antiquarian research than the author of the works under consideration. It is, moreover, one of especial interest to many of our Society, who lately participated in the gratification of that cordial welcome which the Institute enjoyed at Bury from Lord Arthur Hervey, and the members of the Suff"olk Institute. Many to whose attention we would now commend these contri- voL. xr. R R