WELLS CATHEDRAL WEST FRONT. Construction, Sculpture and Conservation.

First edition. Original black paper-covered boards with gilt titles to the spine, in dustwrapper. Illustrated throughout with black and white photographs, alongside eight photographic colour plates at the centre. A fine copy, the binding square and tight, the boards fresh, with one extremely slight bump to the bottom edge of the upper board. The contents are clean throughout and without stamps or inscriptions. Complete with the very lightly rubbed and creased dustwrapper that is a touch faded at the spine, and otherwise without loss or tears. Not price-clipped (£45 on the lower front flap).

A landmark survey of the construction and restoration, both historical and contemporary, of Wells Cathedral west front, one of the earliest Gothic buildings in Britain. Cathedral archaeologist Jerry Sampson worked alongside conservationists during a major preservation programme carried out between 1974 and 1986, giving him the rare opportunity to analyse and photograph the sculptural and architectural elements up close. The in-depth examination of the cathedral is placed within its historical and spiritual context, giving fascinating glimpses of how it looked and how it was used at different points in its 700 year history.