30 Review of Prout's Picturesque Antiquities of Bristol, 



mons^ and selections from his personal Diary. The Memoir is that of an 

 upright and energetic minister of religion, discharging the duties of his 

 office with fidelity and zeal, esteemed and trusted by the people under his 

 ministry, and by his clerical brethren of all denominations ; and sacrificing 

 all minor, that is all considerations, to the principal object of his profession. 

 Mr. Grinfield has acted the part of a faithful and judicious biographer, ia 

 laying before his readers the infirmities as well as the excellencies of this 

 most elevated character, and it is to be wished that this example were 

 more generally followed on such occasions. The world are well enough 

 aware that no man is perfect, and if no imperfection be acknowledged in 

 the history of an individual, very naturally and very justly doubt of its 

 complete credibility. AVe feel great pleasure in recommending this little 

 volume to our readers. 



Picturesque Antiquities of Bristol. By J. S. Prout. Nos. I. and II. 

 G. Davey, Bristol. 



These are illustrations of the ancient and picturesque parts of the city 

 of Bristol, some of the most striking of which, from the dirty and inacces- 

 sible quarters in which they are found, are not likely to be presented to 

 the view of many of our readers in any other manner. 



In the numbers before us, Mr. P. has wisely confined himself chiefly to 

 delineations of the domestic architecture of the city, and more especially 

 to those gradations of style which followed the decline of regular Gothic 

 architecture in this country ; and which, from their irregular plan, and the 

 heterogenousness and instability of their materials, are usually to be found 

 in that stage of decay which is said to be most favourable to the picturesque. 

 Of these the "Fourteen Stars," (plate 6,) — of which, to judge from its rickettv 

 aspect, the drawing before ns is likely soon to be only the memento — and 

 the "Castle Bank," (p. 10.) the timbers of which are said to have been 

 carved in Holland — are very good examples. 



In the crypt of St. John's church also, the peculiar features of the build- 

 ing are well and correctly marked. 



Mr. P. in these drawings has paid considerable attention to architectural 

 principles and features, the observation of which can alone make such de- 

 lineations instructive as well as amusing. The artists of the last century, 

 with one or two exceptions, threw scarcely any of the typical features of 

 a building into their sketches, and this was even the case with Grose and 

 others, regular architectural artists and antiquaries. 



The subjects which Mr. P. has chosen seem admirably suited to his 

 style, which resembles in many points that of his distinguished namesake 

 and, we believe, relative. It is to be wished, however, if practicable, that 

 some slight description should be appended to the views of such of the 

 buildings as deserve it ; giving some little information concerning their 

 date and interior ornaments, or any particulars worth mentioning in their 

 history. 



