Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter xiii conclusion We have now brought to a close our all too-incomplete task of trying to throw more light on the meanings of the many curious zoological carvings to be seen in our Norman and later churches, particularly in the middle and South of England. It is the writer's hope that this little book may help to popularise the study somewhat, and to induce others who are provided with a sharp pair of eyes to see what they can discover for themselves. The most useful adjunct for such a study will be a camera which is capable of being racked out to a considerable extent--it need not be larger than a quarter-plate--and really good lenses of different focal lengths. A poor lens may do excellently for many ordinary purposes, but for work of this character an anastigmat is almost essential. A telephoto lens again will be found most useful. No photograph could have been taken, e.g., of the hyena high up on one of the tower capitals of Alton without its aid. The writer has found the inexpensive "Adon" of Messrs. Dallmeyer to do excellent work, though of course its slowness is a disadvantage when compared with higher priced lenses. If our readers will pursue the study of animal symbolism they will find it most fascinating; and there will be plenty for them to discover for themselves, for the field has not many workers in it as yet. table of photographs Panel of fifteenth century reredos; visit of Magi to Infant Saviour. Notice ox and ass. Sixteenth century bench-end; camel and rider. Medallions of twelfth century door; bears robbing hive, bear playing harp while owner dances, etc. David or Samson and lion; hounds after hare, etc. Perpendicular screen; boars or pigs. Perpendicular misericord; pigs eating acorns. Corbels, c. 1140 A.d.;...