Book excerpt: This lavish archive of exquisite engravings and designs--originally created in the mid-nineteenth century for the professional artist and architect--contains some 200 splendid illustrations, expertly adapted from decorative as well as utilitarian features of medieval cathedrals, churches, tombs, houses, shops, public buildings, and other structures. Encompassing a wide variety of styles, the designs include finely detailed panels, gawking gargoyles, marvelously carved pillars and pedestals, exquisite ironwork patterns, decorative stonework, magnificent stained glass windows, moldings enhanced with intricately woven motifs, and much more. Artists, designers, and craftworkers will find wide use for these versatile, royalty-free illustrations. Students of architecture, art historians, and lovers of ornamental art will delight in the pure beauty of this magnificent collection.