Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 7.djvu/299

 NOTICES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL PUBLICATIONS. :2(l7 and divided into square bays by very massive arch ribs, wbicb are square in section, and either semicircular or segmental ; to resist the thrust of these arches, instead of the usual flying buttresses, are solid square masses of masonry, which are, in fact, parts of the wall carried out at right angles, having the cornice and strings, or other orna- ments, carried round them. The vaults, instead of the usual barrel or groined vault, are domical over each compartment ; but these domes arc low, and not raised into cupolas, as in Byzantine work, and do not interfere with the external roof, except in some instances at the intersection of the transepts, where a lantern with a cupola is introduced. This remarkable plan prevails in nearly all the churches of Angers, and the province of Anjou." — (pp. 203, 204.) These churches, from their great span, have considerable grandeur of eftect. The cathedral of Angers is upwards of -50 feet in width between the engaged piers which support the transverse arch of the vault. The style is late Romanesque or transition, the vaulting- compartments are square in plan, having a cross vault with diagonal ribs, very domical. The west front, which comprises two steeples, corresponds to the width of the nave. In some churches the vault has, hesidts the diagonal ribs, others passing transversely to the points of the longitudinal arches, forming the ribs of a sexpartite vault. In one, the vault is actually sex-partite, the square compartments being divided by engaged columns into two bays, each of which has an apsidal recess. The arrangement of the church, when there is a central tower, affords much variety. The volume we have noticed contains much matter in a small compass, and well arranged. It is not intended to supersede Rickman, but will be useful to those who are not acquainted with him ; still more so to those who are. The illustrations are numerous, well selected, and carefully executed ; some of them contain more than mere details. By the ohliging permission of the Publisher, we are enabled to lay before our readers several interesting- examples. The architectural student will always be indebted to Mr Parker for his frequent references to existing examples, both in the present and former works ; as well as for the valuable collection of notes on English Churches, the " Manual of the Ecclesiastical and Architectural Topography of England," which he is now occupied in bringing before the public. The first portion has been completed, most seasonably, for the occasion of the assembly of the Institute this year at Oxford, comprising the churches of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. The utility of such a publication will be fully recognised by the numerous class of archaeological inquirers, whose attention is addressed to ai'chitcc- tural antiquities. Mr. Paiker, aided by several persons well conversant with the churches of the localities in which they reside, has carried out most successfully, and not without great labour and zealous devotion to his purpose, the preparation of a concise Guide to the Churches of our country, first commenced, with signal advantage to the student, by Rickman. The admirable, though brief, notices which were appended to his work, have very properly been preserved and distinguished from the numerous additions, which also are severally marked by the initials of the contributors, respon- sible for their accuracy. The diocese of Oxford, comprised in this, the first volume of the series, presents a singular variety of interesting and instruc- tive examples : the succeeding portion, however, which is in forward preparation, and comprises the diocese of Ely, will include architectural VOL. vir. E K