“[The guides] communicate extraordinary respect for, and devotion to, their subject, which are in themselves things of wonder. We won’t see anything like this again.”—Rowan Moore, <i>The Observer</i><br /><br />“The <i>Staffordshire</i> volume in its current form is a handsome memorial stone to an extraordinary endeavour, and to the scholarship, tenacity and wit of its originator.”—Gillian Darley, <i>APOLLO</i><br /><br />“The version is a great improvement in terms of the splendid illustrations alone, replacing the somewhat murky half-tones of the original, though many of the new, coloured plates show the same buildings, but with far greater clarity. I have been awaiting this tome for some time.”—James Steven Curl, <i>The Critic</i><br /><br />“Wakeling weaves in social details alongside architectural descriptions, placing people back in the frame, while maintaining Pevsner’s knack for brevity.”—Guy Newton, <i>Victorian Magazine</i><br /><br />“A hugely-detailed, elegant volume. . . . The legacy of two brilliant gurus in architecture.”—Marvyn Edwards, <i>The Sentinel</i><br /><br />“The variety of the Staffordshire entries will remind any reader of the architectural wealth of the area and its significance in our national story.”—<i>Friends of the Friendless Churches</i><br /><br />Chosen by Nicholas Boys Smith for <i>Engelsberg Ideas</i> “Books of the Year 2024”<br /><br />“I am still digesting the detailed descriptions of buildings and structures as well as the personal observations offered by the late Mr Wakeling in this, his sumptuously-illustrated legacy book. . . . The revised Pevsner [is] an invaluable addition to our bookcase.”—Mervyn Edwards, <i>The Sentinel</i><br /><br />
This expanded and updated guide to the architecture of Staffordshire completes the revised Buildings of England series. The county’s highlights include the cathedral city of Lichfield, the surprisingly little-known county town of Stafford, and outstanding country houses from the Tudor, Stuart, and Georgian centuries, such as Wootton Lodge, Weston Park, and Shugborough Hall with its internationally important garden buildings. A rich and distinctive industrial history is reflected in the pottery buildings of Stoke‑on‑Trent and the breweries of Burton‑upon‑Trent. Among the smaller towns, Leek was the centre of a thriving Arts and Crafts community. Staffordshire’s best timber-framed houses rival those of Cheshire, and its building stones reflect the varied geology of a landscape that extends to the wild country of the Peak District and Cannock Chase. The county was also a stronghold of the Gothic Revival, represented by such masterpieces as Pugin’s St Giles, Cheadle, and Bodley & Garner’s memorial church at Hoar Cross.
Each city, town, or village is treated in a detailed gazetteer. A general introduction provides a historical and artistic overview. Also included are plentiful maps and plans, over 120 new colour photographs, full indexes, and an illustrated glossary. The result is both an indispensable reference work and an invaluable guide.