The importance of Westminster Abbey has led to thorough study of the fabric, construction, use, and later uses and restorations to its chapter house, the results of which are presented in this
fine volume of essays. The 14 chapters detail the history and fabric of the original building, the influence of its style, the role of the monks, its original purpose and later use as a record
office, 2-story chapter houses in England, the restoration by George Gilbert Scott, the tile pavement, the roof, and the stained glass. A chapter by Paul Binski and Helen Howard describes the
wall paintings in detail, including the process of their cleaning and restoration. Beautifully illustrated with b&w and color plates, including many 19th-century drawings, watercolors, and
prints, and a fold-out plan of the chapter house, the volume is published in oversized format (8.5x12"). It's distributed in North America by The David Brown Book Co. Annotation 穢2010 Book
News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
