Oxford's Gargoyles and Grotesques

Oxford's Gargoyles and Grotesques by Blackwood, John. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780951102800.

From the Introduction: “As you cross Magdalen Bridge and enter Oxford from the east, you receive a blessing; from the first corner on the right there emerges an episcopal figure, his hand raised in benediction. From a cathedral city and from a university founded by churchmen, such a welcome might be expected. But if you look closely along the building – for the first time perhaps, though you may often have passed this way before – you will see that the stonework is peopled with carved figures; a winged lion, a man riding a horned demon, and faces, staring and soulful. …” * * * * Here is a guidebook to one of the most unusual (self-guided) circular tours that can be made of central Oxford (England); an exposition of some of the finest and most humorous medieval (and later) examples of the stonemasons’ skill and artistry. Taking a pair of binoculars, the basic tour begins at the Bodleian Library, crosses Radcliff Square, proceeds past the University Church (St Mary’s) to Merton College, Magdalen College, St Peter’s-in-the-East, then down Queen’s Lane to St Edmund Hall and New College, returning to the Sheldonian Theatre. Diversions are suggested to Christ Church and to New College. Those with limited neck movement are best advised to follow the tour from the comfort of their armchair, enjoying the 106 b/w photographs in conjunction with the text.