102 



ARCHITECTURE. 



BOOK I, 



crowns on the tops of spires) not one single pinnacle, could be 

 taken away without injuring that part of the fabric. Whether 

 we regard the variety in the columns, and the intricacy of the 

 roof from the tracery, the leaves, and other ornaments, or con- 

 sider the noble perspectives of the middle and side aisles, we 

 must be constrained to say, that the general effect of a cathe- 

 dral in this style far surpasses that of any Grecian building in 

 producing that exhilarating sublimity which is so analogous to 

 the purpose for which they are erected. This may be felt by 

 comparing the effect of Westminster Abbey, or York Cathedral, 

 with St. Paul's. Notwithstanding this, perhaps no human produc- 

 tions were ever more decried than edifices in this style. Such 

 abuse, however, is evidently from false prejudices ; which have 

 at first probably arisen, jointly from the reformation in the 

 national religion, and the introduction of the Grecian style ; 

 and have been continued by the ignorance of writers of 

 different classes*. 



* It is truly amusing to observe the remarks of some authors upon this style ; it 

 seems to have been the common allusion of literary men whenever they wanted to 

 convey to their readers the idea of deformity. It is no less provoking to observe 

 modern writers endeavouring to praise it, who yet seem either totally ignorant of 

 its beauties, or never to have seen the edifices which they recommend. Mr. Dalla- 

 way, in his Anecdotes of the Arts, mentions the abbey of Holvrood House as in the 

 pure Gothic style, and that of Roslin as nearly equal to Westminster Abbey ; when, 

 in fact, it is almost the only Gothic chapel in Scotland that disgraces the architect. 

 Mr. Dallaway is equally erroneous when he speaks of Gloucester Cathedral, the 

 Banquetting House, &c. Indeed there is not a single remark on this subject in, 

 Ms whole work which merits confidence. 



