New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-18
2 PRE-RAPHAFLTTE

NY t5ionnelGS studies IN Architecture Is
one OF those unusual books in which profess
s0nal man contrives TO write without tincture
of professionalism, in the dry and heavy sense
il a brief series of essays he weighs the claims
81 ByZantium and Lombardy in early italian
architecture; critically sketches the career OF
Andrea Palladio; examines one Of the finest OF
modern English buildings. Old Newgate Prison.
and treats Of certain fascinating phases Of the
Renaissance II France. Whether be writes as
q book reviewer OF an independent student he
gives salience and freshness 70 his work amply
justIfying its rescue from the files Of magazines
and its appearance between covers The ex-
plantation is simple MI Bloomfield not only
thinks for himself, but he believes that the
vital interest Of architecture is the human in
1erest," and the thing he seeks is the cew TO an
,rchitect's personality in his works The re-
suit IS q volume which the Iaynan no less than
the architect should find deeply interesting. It
Is as sound. too il is readable Witness his
first essay, 'Byzanuum or Lombardy." This is
"a learned study Of difficult subject, but its
..lruing eliminates in a clear exposition of the
e L that the greatest architects. like those OF
.-s,lrl4n, for example, address themselves ito
task a finding the absolutely best express |
SID. Tor The constructive necessities Of build |
.-" M Blomdelds book is fun OF these les /
Ha enjoy them the more because they are
enforced with q light touch and IN the course
.. natives or arguments which always go for
-.. .onc-ete always aim at showing and tell
The reader vivid, interesting things Thus
.- T-per PalIadio is not only good bit Of
g-.s but a well written chapter Of biogra-
md social history. We would have had the
-reak little more approximately Of the
-s 81 TIcenza When all their defects
.eeu pointed out there still remains a Ger
bold and stately theatricality about them.
.a..a discriminating but ardenty syTnpa-
-.-. historian might freely dilate without i'm
.s the readers taste. But Mr.. Blomfeld's
.-- is in the right place, when al is said
soothing could be 5uster said Of PalladiO, than
..- be is typical OF the able architect who
raw well and design freely, but who fails
artist both in Imagination and tenpera-
-----" Il Is q good, suggestive saying too that
where PeruZzi and Sanmichele used their
trains. TaILadio used his notebook Moreover
.a.e The estimate might have been more gener-
..- .r some details, II is, q whole, open
minded and persuasive. Mr.. Bloomfield performs
"a real service for studelts-and for the lay
--.vs-Ier toe for that ul2tter-in his summing
D. the RE merits Of Newgate and we find him
-e-. more kindling and profitable in his French
.savs. The account Of PhiIibert de rOrne is
d IKE gem All through the book We are MADE
81. tesl not only the authors knowledge but his
r si. terested enthusiasm for his subject some
r-. chosen illustrations. including q few charm
e cravings by the author, add TO the attrac-
t.reless Of a modest but altogether stimulating
E.-gMe
aIezsrs Field and Binney's handsome folio
.f-Hglish Domestic Architecture Of the AEllh
and EVIIIth Centuries" ia intended more lot
-., IRA ctising architect The authors hive gone
Leaning in 3 field which has hitherto been cult
7...r-G by historians more particularly with REFER
,-ee 10 the larger. grander manifestations OF
I-ra,tsh Renaissance. They have Ignored the
5-r.r,rr-aut buildings concentrating tneIr SAIen-
Ton on the minor structures, which may mol
leave 2 resplendent impression but nevertheless
Illustrate admirable and still vital prlnclp4es-
sr,Je in anv very obvious or distinguished sense
is scs-cely 10 be disccrned in the small dWeIltg
houses market buildings and the ike when are
here REPRODUCED in good half tones from photo
.--.rAs or in Invaluable scale drawings But
INC r-erlo,Is elements Of simplicity and refine
mont are visible everywhere, with feeling d..
rrorortion which IL not precisely scholarly, was
rs least genuine and constantly effective among
The now rarnelsss builders Of these quiet homes
and urpretentious public edifices. There is IN
spiration for the modern architect In this con-
,srlerttousIy made volume IL will throw hght
for hin on rrubIezns OF roof line; u VIII uaach
lin something IN the matter Of the USE Oh Dr'A