A Passion For Places

Meara, David

£15.99

Former Archdeacon of London David Meara explores some of John Betjeman’s favourite churches, cathedrals and secular buildings.

Out of stock

Publish Date: 15/11/2021
ISBN: 9781445687100 Category: Tags: ,

Description

Sir John Betjeman was born at the start of the twentieth century, and lived to become Poet Laureate, an accomplished writer and campaigner, and something of a national treasure. All his life he loved churches, which are woven into his poetic output. He wrote extensively about churches and architecture, telling a journalist in 1955 ‘If I have a mission, it is to show people things which are beautiful so that they will very soon realise what is ugly. When you look at things, instead of just looking through them, life starts absolutely crackling with interest and excitement.’Now, Betjeman’s particular way of looking at churches is in danger of being lost in the face of a more academically driven and forensic art-historical approach. This book picks out some of the buildings, especially churches, which Betjeman was particularly fond of. It highlights and celebrates Betjeman’s more poetic, parochial and personal response to the built environment, and his evocation of the English parish church through the ordinary and the charm of hassocks, old incense and oil lamps.Highlighting his religious, aesthetic and social pre-occupations, this book is both gazetteer and commentary on his own particular vision of England and architecture, which deserves to be celebrated afresh.

Additional information

Weight 151 g
Dimensions 234 × 165 × 8 mm
Author

Publisher

Imprint

Cover

Paperback

Pages

96

Language

English

Edition
Dewey

726.50942 (edition:23)

Readership

General – Trade / Code: K