A Handbook to the Art and Architecture of the Boston Public Library: Visitors Guide to the McKim Building, Copley Square, and Its Mural Decorations and Its Collections

by Peter Arms Wick, Richard W. Cheek (Photographer)

"A visitor's pocket guide to the masterpiece of the architect Charles Follen McKim, with a brief description of the architecture and artistic embellishment of the McKim Building, and a selection of those works of art currently on view."

62 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Daniella Pozo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a copy of this book a few weeks ago while visiting the library and found it to be a quick/engaging read. It was certainly well-researched and provided a lot of information about the timeline, important figures, materials, and symbols involved in the making of the BPL. I recognized some of the more obvious architectural details and European influences but this guide provided a thorough overview. I would read it again before my next visit.

[Mark Einselen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent compilation of facts of the construction and ornamentation of Boston Public Library. The text could've been better supported by drawings, the black and white photographs didn't show all the details referenced in the descriptions. This is certainly more of an introduction to the material and not an in depth textbook by any measure. Hits the highlights of the structure and makes me want to go back to experience it in person again.

[Doc Kinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a small handbook and very quickly read. It does nicely address its subject, but you need to keep in mind its publication date of 1978. The Library has changed a bit since then, even the McKim Building.

Writing has also changed since 1978, I think. One of the most striking passages for me concerned the murals "Church" and "Synagogue" in the Sargent Hall, 3rd floor:

"The Hebrew faith, which the artist has sympathetically shown as the great forerunner of Christianity was regarded by medieval churchmen as having forfeited its high place through its failure to recognize the claim of Christ as the expected Messiah, and was accordingly represented as blind and dethroned; the Church itself was naturally depicted as having succeeded to both the vision and the leadership lost by the Jewish religion. This view was expressed in the art of the Middle Ages by the opposition of two figures, the Synagogue, sightless and fallen; the Church, out looking and triumphant."

Ummm. Wow!

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

During a recent visit to the library I purchased this book as I had enjoyed my visit greatly. This book gives a nice brief history of the library, the various areas and the artwork. My favorite part was all of the pictures that reminded me of my wonderful afternoon there. I wish there was a note about the restaurant at the library, it really is a hidden gem in the city.