New-York tribune., 1902-01-15

IithOgraDhy Thomas
r Way. With Notes Compiled by Frederic
Chapman Quarto. PIP. viii, l75. John Lane
The sixth OF Mr.. Ways volumes on the great
architectural remains which form the chief glory
Of the English metropolis and its neighborhood
makes fitting climax to invaluable series.
Indeed. It commentaries buildings elo
Quent than those figured in the previous vol
umes OF British pride and splendor. There are
no fewer than thirteen royal palaces pictured
and described in these pages. ranging from
comparatively modest Ethan and Crosby to the
massy dignity and stately picturesqueness Of
Windsor. AS Mr.. Way remarks lin these thir
teen palaces. or remains of palaces. near Lon
don, erected by the ancestors of King Edward
VII, the nation possesses splendid col
lection of buildings of the kind than any other
country boast off, To this claim for the
architectural interest Of the buildings in ques-
ton there may be added the statement that
in historical association they are also OF
usual significance. Mr. Chapman. who provides
the text for this publication, is almost en-
barrassed by the riches at his disposal. II he
can tell US delightful anecdotes Of the late
Queen at Kensington. he give also vivid
pictures Of Elizabeth at Greenwich; he can dis
course OF thrilling escapes from the Tower; he
pause upon the beheading of King Charles
at Whitehall, OF he quote from the most
vivid Of all diaries a picture Of the scene in
Westminster Hall after the coronation of
Charles II. In short his chapters form a veritable
pageant Of history. 1t is impossible to quote
him at length. but may reproduce at least
one passage. taken from Miss Strickland, and
cording the success and diplomacy of one OF
Eizabeth's subjects:
One Of her majesty's purveyors having been
guilty Of some abuses in the county OF Kent, on
her removal to Greenwich, sturdy country
man, watching the time when she took her
morning walk with the lords and ladies OF her
household, placed himself conveniently for
catching the royal eye and ear, and when he saw
her attention perfectly disengaged, began TO cry
in loud voice ''Whis is the Queen?" Where
upon her manner was, she turned herself
toward him; but he continuing his clamorous
question, she herself answered, "I am your
queen; what wouldst thou have with me?'
''You." reJoined the farmer, archly gazing upon
her with look of incredulity, not unmixed
with admiration, you are one of the rarest
women ever saw. and can eat no more than
my daughter Madge, who is thought the prop
crest lass in our parish though short of you;
but that Queen Elizabeth 1 look for devours
many OF my hens, ducks and capons that am
not able TO live"
The abuses" ceased forthwith Obviously
this is 4 book to read. but IT must not be for
gotten that it's special reason for, existing is
Mr.. Ways skill artist. Among English
photographers he is easily the first in the de-
iineation Of architectural monuments. He has
none Of that insensitiveness to what may call
leads so many artists to sacrifice facts to pict-
Hresqueress. He has of structure; he
feels the charm that often resides in the baldest
Of wall surfaces, when they are considered as
they ought TO be, with reference to the edifce
whole, and thus. while his Autographs are
indubitably pictorial, they also trustworthy
portraits. He is faithful to his model to an
exceptional degree. Also he is faithful to the
special character OF his medium. The tndividu-
ality and charm Of lithography are here visible
in their best estate Mr.. Way gets the velvety
softness, the subtle richness, of tone, whether
he is sketching the Thames as 1t CLEANS be-
meath the walls Of Greenwich, is seizing the
exquisite landscape note which is to be found in
the famous vista through which, across smooth
lawns and placid water we see the FACADE of
Kensington Palace. Our only regret, as we close
this fascinating volume is that 1t is possibly the
last TO be expected in the series But, after
all. there extensive fields waiting for Mr.
Way outside those limits to which he has thus
far confined himself II he were to go on indefi-
nitely producing books Of this sort the public
we are sure. would be prompt in support Of his