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REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

1. The Fourth Volume of Wood's Athene and Fasti Oxonienses, with a Contimuation to the End of the Seventeenth Century, by Philip Bliss, Fellow of St. John's College. Lackington and Co.

THE Three former Volumes of this useful and laborious Work have been noticed in vol. LXXXV. i. p. 139. ii. 233. LXXXVII. ii. 425. And it is with much satisfaction that we see the original production of Anthony à Wood most ably edited by Mr. Bliss; and perceive that he is actually proceeding ing with a new volume, for which it would not be easy to find a more accurate or a more diligent Compiler. But he shall speak for himself:

"I cannot suffer this last portion of Anthony à Wood's laborious undertaking to appear before the public, without offering, in my own person, as editor, a few words of acknowledgment and apology :of acknowledgment for the indulgent man. ner in which the additional notes to the original work have been generally received; and of apology to the purchasers for the delay which has taken place in the publi. cation of the present volume.

"Those persons who are conversant with literary undertakings, similar to this ATHENE OXONIENSES. will have no difficulty in ascribing the late appearance of this volume to the laborions task of forming a general Index; they will also allow for the length of time absolutely necessary to perfect so extensive, so troublesome, and yet so indispensable a portion of the work; and I may be permitted to hope, as I certainly believe, that all who have occasion to refer to it, will find it at once so ample, and of such important utility, as fully to compensate for any disappointment they may have experienced from the delay.

"An apparent incongruity will be discovered in the latter part of this fourth volume, which requires some explanation. When I first came to the account given by Bishop Tanner, from Wood's papers, of the writers living at the time of our author's death, it was my intention to have added further particulars of their lives, with a continued list of their publications; and it will he seen that I proceeded upon this plan for some few pages: it was then remarked to me by a friend on whose judgment I place implicit reliance, that, to preserve the unity of the work, the lives of those persons who died after the year 1699, should be reserved for the New Athenæ, by

CONT. MAG. January, 1820.

which means the original chronological arrangement would be fully and most properly adhered to. To this proposition I at once acceded; and the more readily, because I found, that had I continued my

additions, I must have extended the old instead of four as originally proposed. The reader will therefore perceive that the additional notices after col. 475 and 882, extend only to those persons whose deaths occurred previously to 1700: the others are reserved for the new portion of the work, which will, by this arrangement, be uniform and continuous. In the mean time the reader has a complete history of the Oxford writers for two centuries; he possesses every word contained in the two former editions of Wood's Athena, with some new lives, and a large number of additional notes and anecdotes; together with a reference (it is believed) to every name that occurs throughout the four volumes.

"I shall now naturally be expected to say something on the subject of the New Athena; and it affords me the highest satisfaction to state, that by the liberal cons duct of the proprietors of the work, and their ready acquiescence in all my wishes, I shail be enabled to prosecute this arduous undertaking without delay. Although I have already made very considerable collections for this purpose, I am not ignorant that a great deal remains to be done ; that it will require much time, and no small labour, to render a work composed of such various materials, and derived from such different sources, of general interest and utility. Nor is it so much with a view to lighten my own labours, as to ensure accuracy, and increase the value of what I shall offer to the public, that I again venture to solicit assistance, and request communications, from such persons as are in possession of authentic documents relative to our Oxford writers; promising on my part, that I shall thankfully receive their aid, and that I will use their information faithfully, and with all impartiality.

"Nothing remains but that I should repeat my thanks for the valuable assistance I have received from my literary friends throughout the progress of the work now before the public. I am not conscious of having availed myself of any information without acknowledging the obligation at the time; but I cannot suffer this last volume to appear without expressing how much I owe to Mr. Heber. I have to thank him for the loan of two valuable copies of the old Athence, with manuscript motes; I have to remind him of numerous

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acts of personal kindness and attention; and although I never can express what I feel for the repeated instances I have ex. perienced of his active friendship, yet it affords me some consolation, that I am enabled thus publicly to assure him, I shall never forget them.

"PHILIP BLISS."

The Notes and Additions to Wood are numerous and judicious; and amply justify the commendation we have bestowed on the laborious exertions of Mr. Bliss. The present volume is enriched with an excellent General Index.

2. The History and Antiquities of the Metropolitical Church of York, illustrated by a Series of Engravings of Views, Plans, Elevations, and Details, of the Architecture of that Edifice; with Biographical Anecdotes of the Archbishops. By J. Britton, F. S. A. 4to. 1819.

TO elucidate the Architecture and History of our Cathedrals, is an undertaking of such magnitude, demanding such energy and perseverance,we will also add, such a co-operation of men of talent and ability, that it appears an exertion better suited to the united labours of a Society than to the efforts of an individual. It is, however, highly honourable to an individual, to engage in an enterprize so replete with difficulties, undaunted by apparent obstacles, and zealously striving to accomplish, with unabated excellence of execution, a work which, when completed, will contain an unrivalled mass of architectural information and of graphic beauty.

The pre-eminence of York Minster over our other Cathedrals is generally admitted. Willis expressly says that "every thing of this Church is so very magnificent, that it deserves a particular representation, for words cannot express the beauty and elegance of the architecture of each part." There is indeed a certain uniformity of style pervading the whole, which renders it more generally pleasing than a structure more heterogeneous in its parts, although at the same time of less interest to the antiquary and to the student of our antient architecture.

In this latter respect it cannot enter into competition with the rival fabric at Canterbury; which, although far inferior in regularity of structure, in general dimensions, and in the extent

and beauty of its facade, yet from the complexity of its plan, the extent of its crypts, the richness of its tombs and chapels, and the number of antient buildings annexed to the principal edifice, together with the variety of styles and dates that it exhibits, possesses attractions more powerful for the architectural antiquary, and indeed the general visitor, than are to be found in that of York.

Indeed, in these particulars, the latter must yield the palm of superiority to its nearer neighbour at Lincoln, which possesses more architectural beauties and interesting features. These comparative and distinctive peculiarities can only be known and appreciated by a careful and impartial examination of the different edifices; and, as this advantage can be enjoyed but by comparatively few persons, we are more indebted to those authors and artists who enable us to contemplate them with nearly equal effect, and certainly more leisurely, and with opportunity of more exact comparison, in our own libraries.

The History of the Cathedral in the volume before us, is introduced by some preliminary observations relative to the city itself, the existence of which can be traced back, with tolerable precision, nearly two thousand years, although of course but faintly marked. It is rendered memorable by the decease of two Roman Emperors, and the inauguration of a third: nor less so by Edwin having here openly renounced the tenets of his ancestors, and adopted the Christian religion. His conversion was effected partly by the zeal of his Queen, Ethelburga; partly by the exhortations of Boniface, the Roman pontiff, and Paulinus. Tradition also relates that he had been predisposed towards it in consequence of a vision which appeared to him during his banishment at the Court of Redwald, King of the Angles, whose protection he sought against the persecutions of Ethelfrid. This legendary narrative will perhaps excite the scepticism of modern readers: however, it is certain that in consequence of the admonitions of Paulinus, he convened an assembly of his counsellors and priests to discuss the propriety of adopting the new faith, when his determination was speedily fixed by the advice of

Coifi, the chief of the priests, who, so far from endeavouring to support their own religion, was zealous in rejecting it as a vain and unprofitable superstition; and, not contented with a mere abjuration, he manifested the

pronounced by Hugh, the Pope's Legate, his decree in favour of Canterbury. That see founded its claim to precedency on three propositions, or facts, against which the northern see contended with more of sophistry than argument. It stated that Gregory the Great created the two arch

sincerity of his sentiments by openly bishoprics with powers perfectly inde

profaning those very altars at which he had served. In the 11th year of his reign Edwin was baptized at York, in a church erected there by himself of timber, and dedicated to the apostle Peter. This may be considered as the origin of the august and stupendous fabric which has subsequently procured for the city a higher degree of reputation than it could otherwise have obtained. It is not to be ex

pected that we should pursue at length the sequel sequel of the history, as it would not only protract this critique beyond its limits, but anticipate that information which we presume most of the readers of this article will be rather disposed to seek from the work itself.

After relating the death of Edwin, who fell (A. D. 633) in a contest against the leagued Kings Cadwallo and Penda, the writer proceeds to give some account of Osric and Hanfrid,

the immediate successors of Edwin, and apostates from the faith; also of Oswald, who re-established the Christian religion. He then continues his history by acquainting us of some of the early Bishops, and of the disputes for precedency which took place between the two archi-episcopal Sees.

We cannot spare much room for quotation, but in order to afford our readers a specimen of the style and of the matter, we shall make an extract from this part of the work.

"The controversy which had been kept up for ages before, with occasional modifications of asperity, was at length to be decided in the reign of the Conqueror, though the successors to the see of York continued to urge their unavailing pretensious for a considerable time afterwards. The King having appointed an ecclesiastic, named Thomas, who was of the same country with himself, to the vacant see of York, the latter refused to profess obedience to Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury. This necessarily revived the contest which had been comparatively suspended for a long time; and both prelates having proceeded to Rome to urge their respective claims before the Pope, he referred them back to the English King, who, in a council which he called at Windsor, A. D. 1072,

pendent of each other; and that their respective prelates took alternate precedency according to the seniority of their consecrations, till Lanfranc, ambitious to domi. neer over the clergy, as his master did over the laity of England, assumed an undue right over the see of York. Referring to the question of antiquity, York sought an argument in the story of King Lucius, to

which we shall not a second time advert. But in conclusion that see insisted, that comparing the extent of their respective jurisdictions, she, though presiding over the more limited space in England, had the larger in Britain, as embracing the entire kingdom of Scotland. Besides that, if the bishoprics of Worcester, Lichfield, and Lincoln, of which he had been unjustly deprived, were again restored, she might vie with Canterbury even with respect to English territory. It is not, however, of much consequence or interest to trace the history of these ecclesiastical contentions, which, after all, only serve to shew the folly and weakness of man, when he suffers pride to domineer over

For several years after this event, the Prelates of York were extremely reluctant to admit the supremacy of the rival see, and at length yielded only at the express command of the

Roman pontiff.

Having bestowed so much attention on this first chapter, we can only recapitulate the heads of those that remain.

The second relates to the foundation of the present church, and the successive additions that have been made to it. Wilfrid's Cathedral was destroyed by fire in 741. The second edifice built by Egbert experienced a similar fate during the siege of the Norman garrison by the Danes and Northumbrians (1069). Thomas, the Archbishop, soon restored it to even more than its pristine splendour, but in vain, for it was doomed to suffer a third time. Archbishop Roger rebuilt the Choir (1171) but the present one was erected by Archbishop Thoresby between the years 1361 and

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of the Church, accompanied by critical remarks and references to the Plates. Of the latter we can confidently express our admiration and approbation. Most of the details are exhibited with great perspicuity and correctness; and the general views are very judiciously selected. would particularize the view of the Chapter House, that of the Church from the S. E., the Centre Doorway of the West Front, and the Entrance to the Chapter House, which are distinguished by the feeling and intelligence that pervade them, and by tasteful execution. An account of the Monuments, and Biographical Memoirs of the Prelates, constitute the remaining chapters, to which are appended several tables that will be found of considerable utility. Certainly, nothing has been omitted that might render the work as complete as possible within the assigned limits. A more extended history would not, we think, have enhanced its popularity: it might justly have incurred the charge of prolixity from those

who are not desirous of attempting to rescue from oblivion names and events, upon which not all the ardour of antiquarianism, or the interest of local associations, can bestow a perpetuity of fame.

3. The History and Antiquities of the Parish of Edmonton, in the County of Middlesex, comprising an Account of the Manors, the Church, and Southgate Chapel, with other interesting matter: to which is added an Appendix, containing a Schedule of every Parcel of ancient Inclosure within the Parish, the Name of the Owner, the exact Measure, the Corn Rents payable in lieu of Tythes, and the several Allotments of the inclosed Common, Marshes, and Waste Land, discharged from the payment of Tythes. Selected from eminent Authors, and authentic Documents. By William Robinson, Gent. F.S. A. 8vo. pp. 331. Nichols and Son.

In our last Volume, Part ii. p. 432, Mr. Robinson was introduced as the Historian of Tottenham. He now appears, in due form, as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, to record the History of another considerable Township in Middlesex; and it is but common justice to say that he possesses every requisite qualification.

"In reviewing the Topographical recommendations of the parish of Edmonton,

it might reasonably be presumed, even if documents had been wanting to establish the fact, that a place possessing so many local advantages, the beauty of the scenery, the variety of the views, and its vicinity to the metropolis, would not be overlooked by those, whose rank and fortune enabled them to select a suitable residence. It, accordingly, became from the earliest periods, the residence of nobles, whose opulence and taste adorned it with mansions, adapted to their dignity and station. These, indeed, have long since so entirely disappeared as to leave nothing behind them but the name. But though no remains at present serve to point out to the eye of antiquarian curiosity, even the spot, which once boasted of these distinctions,

yet the memory delights to cherish the idea of former ages, and the imagination, to call up anew the scenes which the hand of time has long since withdrawn. The reader, then, will not be left destitute of this pleasure, in the perusal of the following sheets.

"But whatever chasms time may have left in the ancient history of Edmonton, they are amply compensated for, by the copious information I have been able to adduce respecting its modern state. This circumstance will stamp it with an importance, that cannot fail to render it interesting to every one, in whom this parish can excite any interest."

Among the Embellishments (XIII in number) are some good Portraits; but the plate which is of the most real consequence is a Map of the Parish, which is a copy of the survey made in 1801 and 1802, and corrected by the original.

The History is well digested; and that it contains not merely dry matters of antiquarian research, may appear from the following extracts:

"Norden, in his Speculum, says:

"There is a fable of one Peter Fabell that lyeth in this church, who is said to have beguiled the devill by policie for money; but the devill is deceit itself, and hardly deceived."

"Belike (says Weever) he was some ingenious conceited gentleman who did use some fleightie tricks for his own disport. He lived and died in the reign of Henry VII. says the book of his merry pranks.'

"This book, which is mentioned by Weever, is a very scarce pamphlet, and is called The Life and Death of the Merry Devil of Edmonton, with the pleasant pranks of Smug the Smith, Sir John, and mine host of the George, about stealing

the Venison.'

"On the title-page there is a wood cut, with the figure of a man upon a horse,

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"The pleasant pranks compose the greater part of the book, which informs us that Maister Peter Fabell, otherwise called the Merry Devil of Edmonton (for the many excellent jeasts he did,) was a man of good descent: and a man, either for his gifts externall or internall, inferior to few. For his person he was absolute. Nature had never showne the fulnesse of her skill more in any than in him: for the other, I meane his great learning (including many misteries) hee was as amply blest as аву.

"Very pleasant, kinde, and freeharted was hee, to or with his familiars: very affable, and courteous to strangers, and very liberal, full of commisseration and pitie to the poore and needy: both abroad from his purse, and at home from his table. In his time very well knowne to him, and some time (in pastine) very familiar with him, were these men: Oliver Smug, Sir John the merry Parson, Banks the miller, and mine Host of the George: in whose companies many times for recre. ation, he would spend some hours. In Edmonton

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