Page:Library Construction, Architecture, Fittings, and Furniture.djvu/12

viii in to his task, and entirely absorbed in it; since, from the inevitable slowness of mediaeval operations, arising from the deficiency of capital and labour, the erection of an abbey or a college might be the sole occupation of a lifetime. Far different is it now, when the most extensive architectural undertakings seldom require more than three or four years, and the same architect is equally ready to turn out a church, a library, a theatre, or a bank. It is inevitable that in the absence of special knowledge of and special devotion to a particular style of edifice, the sentiment of architectural display should gain the upper hand. Hence a continual conflict between the architect who desires a handsome elevation, and the librarian who aims at practical convenience; frequently determined by a committee endowed with no great feeling for either.

Parodying a famous saying, it may be safely affirmed that this state of things will continue more or less until architects are librarians, or librarians architects. It is, meanwhile, a very useful service to bring the parties together as near as may be, by the simple exhibition of what has been done; showing how difficulties have been met, and objects attained, occasionally even how they have been missed. Mr. Burgoyne has performed this service for both professions in this little volume, destined, in the Editor's judgment, to rank among the most valuable contributions hitherto made to library literature. By copious illustration, indicative of extensive research, he has shown how the problems