"English Mediaeval Architects, a Biographical Dictionary down to 1550 is the indispensable reference work on the careers of architectural craftsmen working in England in the Middle Ages. The original edition, written in association with the late Arthur Oswald thirty years ago, has long since been unavailable, so the appearance of this completely revised edition is a major publishing event in the field of mediaeval architectural history. Dr. Harvey has added the lives of about 400 new craftsmen to the 1300 or so contained in the original edition, including some masters of considerable stature, such as Ivo de Raghton, the pre-eminent mason in York in the early 14th century, and John Montfort, the master mason to Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick. A number of the existing lives have also been completely rewritten, a notable example being that of Thomas of Witney, one of the major masters of the Decorated period, whose career encompassing Westminster, Winchester and the South-West is now fully expounded; and many other entries for notable craftsmen, such as John Wastell, William Wynford and Henry Yeveley, have been updated and extended. The new information derives not only from the researches of Dr. Harvey and Arthur Oswald since the appearance of the original edition, but also from a great deal of fresh material sent to Dr. Harvey by leading authorities in the field. In addition, there are new introductory sections, including an appreciation of the late Arthur Oswald by his nephew, Philip Oswald, and the indexes and tables have been completely revised by L. S. Colchester and Dr. R. K. Morris. As users of the original edition will be aware, the very extensive tables and indexes are an invaluable aspect of the book as a source for reference, arranged topographically and chronologically, by county and by building type, as well as including a comprehensive general index."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved