1925 Westminster Abbey Re-examined by W. R. Lethaby Hardcover 1st Ed Duckworth First Printing Illustrated

Westminster Abbey Re-examined by W. R. Lethaby Duckworth, 1925, London CONDITION: Fair copy, unmarked text, covers have wear and staining, foxing, front cover hinge cracked. ATTRIBUTES: First edition. Illustrated edition. Hardcover. No dust jacket. Bound in cloth. DESCRIPTION: This book, "Westminster Abbey" Re-examined by W. R. Lethaby, delves into the architectural history and significance of Westminster Abbey. It offers a detailed study of the Abbey's design, construction, and evolution over centuries, highlighting its importance as a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The text likely explores the various architectural styles present, from the Gothic rebuilding initiated by Henry 3 in 1245 to later additions and modifications, providing insights into the craftsmanship and artistic expression of different eras. W. R. Lethaby (1857-1931) was a prominent English architect and architectural historian, whose ideas significantly influenced the Arts and Crafts and early Modern movements in architecture, as well as the fields of conservation and art education. He served as Surveyor of Westminster Abbey from 1906, a role that allowed him to conduct extensive research and contribute to the understanding and preservation of the Abbey. Lethaby was also a founder of the Central School of Arts and Crafts and Professor of Design at the Royal College of Art, demonstrating his deep engagement with architectural theory and education. "Westminster Abbey" Re-examined holds significant value for collectors interested in architectural history, particularly those focused on British medieval architecture and the Arts and Crafts movement. As a work by a highly influential architectural historian who was directly involved with the Abbey's preservation, it offers a unique and authoritative perspective. The book's focus on the content and significance of Westminster Abbey, a site of immense historical and cultural importance, makes it a compelling acquisition for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this iconic structure. FLASHBACK TO 1925 WHEN THIS BOOK WAS PUBLISHED: When this book was published in 1925, Europe was still grappling with post-war recovery as the Locarno Treaties sought to stabilize peace, while the Scopes Monkey Trial in America highlighted a clash between science and fundamentalism. Surrealism was taking hold in Parisian art circles, and the British Empire, though vast, faced growing calls for independence in some territories, even as the BBC was just beginning to shape public discourse. W. R. Lethaby, a prominent architect, was actively shaping ideas on craft and design. Location: 01-05-01-867