Architecture at the end of the earth Photographing the Russian North

Brumfield (Tulane Univ.), one of the leading scholars of Russian architecture, is known for his many works including those relating to European architecture. However, he has now produced a beautiful study, richly illustrated in color, of the architecture of northern Russia near the Arctic Circle from the 16th century onward. This is a subject practically unknown to the Western world. The book includes buildings of all sorts, especially churches, monasteries, and houses in a variety of materials, particularly brick. Most fascinating are those in wood, some of which are reminiscent of buildings in Scandinavia. The richness of the material discussed and illustrated includes murals and altarpieces in the religious buildings. The work is a major contribution to knowledge of a neglected area. While there is a thorough discussion of the structures, the lack of a bibliography and index gives the false appearance of a picture book, when it is far more than that. This fascinating book should have a wide appeal. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels. --Thomas J. McCormick, Wheaton College (MA)

Brumfield (Slavic studies, Tulane Univ.; Lost Russia) is an expert on Russian architecture. His latest large-format book surveys the northwest tip of the nation, a great boreal forest surrounding the White Sea that has long been a place of exile and imprisonment. The author's many treks to its remote settlements have yielded photographs and descriptions of an extraordinary heritage of Russian Orthodox churches. From the 15th through the 19th century patronage by wealthy merchants, nobles, and the Tsar's court raised masonry cathedrals and monasteries, crowned with onion domes, in the wilderness. This largesse extended to elaborate frescoes, icons, and icon screens. The parish churches of the region are also notable for impressive expression using only pine logs, planks, and shingles. Brumfield discusses these varied architectural treasures by area, also describing how Soviet-era neglect and vandalism have caused some to fall into ruin. The author laments churches that have collapsed or burned down, but he notes restoration work being undertaken. VERDICT Brumfield's absorbing text and 200 color photographs are excellent. This book will appeal to readers interested in historic church architecture or traditional Russian village culture.-David R. Conn, formerly with Surrey Libs., BC © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.