Synopses & Reviews
The City of London is a jurisdiction whose relationship with the English monarchy has sometimes been turbulent. This fascinating book explores how architecture was used to renew and redefine a relationship essential to both parties in the wake of two momentous events: the restoration of the monarchy, in 1660, and the Great Fire six years later.
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Spotlighting little-known projects alongside such landmarks as Christopher Wrenandrsquo;s St. Paulandrsquo;s Cathedral, it exploresand#160;how they were made to bear meaning. It drawsand#160;on a range of evidenceand#160;wide enough to match architectureandrsquo;s resonances for its protagonists: paintings, prints, and poetry, sermons and civic ceremony mediated and politicized buildings and built space, as did direct and sometimes violent action. The City and the Kingand#160;offersand#160;a nuanced understanding of architectureandrsquo;s place in early modern English culture.and#160;It casts new light not only on the reign of Charles II, but on the universal mechanisms of construction, decoration, and destruction through which we give our monuments significance.
Review
"A fascinating new book highlights how the relationship between the City of London and the monarchy was reflected in the architecture of the 17th century, which was the result of the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 and the Great Fire of London six years later."and#8212;David Meara, The Times
Review
Shortlisted for the Longman/History Today Book Prize 2014.
Review
Shortlisted for the Alice Davis Hitchcock 2014 Award sponsored by the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain.
Review
Shortlisted for the 2014 William MB Berger Prize for British Art History
Review
Shortlisted for the 2014 Authorsand#39; Club Art Book Prize
About the Author
Christine Stevenson is senior lecturer at the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London.