BOOKS: On a Grander Scale

Wren's London

He rebuilt much of London after the Great Fire of 1666_Sir Christopher Wren, architect, astronomer, mathematician, physicist, geometer, builder of the magnificent cathedral St Paul's and general polymath was an astounding individual. His long life (90 years) is covered in minute detail in, Lisa Jardine's,"On a Grander Scale: The Outstanding Life and Tumultous Times of Sir Christopher Wren." Jardine brings to life Wren's brilliant intellect against the backdrop of the turbulent times of Restoration England. Wren was one of the great intellectual colossi of all time and an aquaintencce to equally brilliant Sir Issac Newton. But Wren had a particular brand of brilliance, an orderly way of thinking that was infused by his religious beliefs. Wren set out to explore the magnificent universe that he believed God had created. To him his architecture and his science were an expression and discovery of God's laws. This book also looks at the turbulence of the times, two English civil wars and there effect on Wren's monetary status. Regardless of Wren's circumstances his achievements were literally "monumental." Jardine's book is well worth the read and Wren's life is worth emulation not only for its grandiose achievements, but also for a life well lived. In St. Paul's Cathedral under its giant dome and over his tomb is a memorial to Wren, it reads: "Reader, if you seek his monument look around you." Indeed.