Bound in red goatskin. Yellow spine label and stamp from Prince Albert's library; inscribed on flyleaf: 'To His Royal Highness Prince Albert. These memorials, partly exhibiting The Glories of that ancient Saxon Race, which has confered, & is still confering such great Benefits on this country; are offered, with the utmost respect & Humility, by C.R. Cockerell, architect. A.D. 1852'.

Cockerell was both architectural historian and architect, and made significant studies of classical Greek architecture abroad before taking up his architectural career in Britain. Amongst other buildings he was partly responsible for the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, and the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. He was elected a fellow of the Royal Academy in 1836, and made its Professor of Architecture in 1840. He became the first recipient of the royal gold medal at the Royal Institute for British Architecture, 1848. His study of Wells Cathedral in 1851 highlighted the magnificent West Front, which was completed in about 1250. The niches on the façade held spaces for over 500 more than life-size statues, which were originally gilded and coloured. About 300 statues still survive today.

Text adapted from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010.