Owen Hopkinss From the Shadows is the liveliest account yet of Nicholas Hawksmoor, the amazing baroque architect of the early 18th century. Had he but known it, Hawksmoor was a proto-brutalist, his un-pretty and confronting forms being an inspiration to British architects in the mid-20th century.
Rowan Moore, The Observer, Best Architecture Books of 2015
In the conclusion to his very substantial study of Englands least known and most misunderstood Baroque architect, Owen Hopkins discusses some of the modern folklore that has developed around Nicholas Hawksmoor over the past 40 years, showing how swiftly a myth can capture the public imagination . . . From the Shadows dispels those myths while taking admirable pains to describe the reality of its subjects rich and idiosyncratic career . . . Hopkins rescues Hawksmoor from the shadows of Wren and Vanburgh and gives him the prominence he deserves.
Michael Moorcock, The Spectator
Owen Hopkinss From the Shadows puts the Hawksmoor myth into proper historical perspective . . . This is a biography that goes beyond the usual limits it is really, and sensibly, a biography of Hawksmoors reputation . . . The architectural message this book conveys is that perfection is boring: well-behaved buildings are rarely memorable. Artists must break the bonds of taste to be in with a shot at eternity. Hawksmoors trajectory was never straight, but he got there all the same.
The Guardian
Hopkinss book is fascinating in this reconstruction of Hawksmoors reputational afterlife . . . It confirms the verdict that while Wren incised a bright, intellectual stateliness on Londons skyline, Hawksmoor a great architectural tragedian gave it its mood music, its architectural emotion.
Evening Standard
Owen Hopkins deftly explores how Hawksmoors work has been understood in his lifetime and since then . . . Hopkins has a vast knowledge of his subject. He is an excellent communicator, sharing the technical detail of Hawksmoors buildings in a way that is accessible to the lay person. His love for Hawksmoors work makes From the Shadows a pleasure to read . . . This is a significant book.
Fortean Times
In just over 300 pages, Hopkins combines an engaging survey of Hawksmoors buildings with a thoughtful assessment of his critical fortunes . . . Hopkins ably conveys Hawksmoors genius while explaining how preservation battles over the churches, literary homages to Hawksmoor, careful research, and changing tastes all conspired to push Hawksmoor into the first rank of British architects.
Architect Magazine
The books exploration of the afterlife of the architect, and how this was influenced by changing attitudes in society, is a strong and fruitful angle . . . Despite Hopkins detailed explanation of changing tastes and perceptions, it still seems amazing that Hawksmoor had to wait so long for afterlife recognition. This book cant help but make one wonder how history will judge the top architects of today, and whose reputations will thrive while others suffer.
RIBA Journal
Hopkins study certainly has value in being the first text to put a study of Hawksmoors work side-by-side with one of his myths and reputation. But more importantly, they begin new lines of questioning that could help jolt the Hawksmoor historiography out of the rut it has been in for decades.
Architectural Review
The 20th century saw the revival of Hawksmoors reputation after he was championed by the likes of T.S. Eliot and Peter Ackroyd. This timely reappraisal explores the architects achievement and his emergence from the margins of history.
Apollo
[Hawksmoor] has had a crucial role as cultural catalyst, of which this book is a fine celebration.
C20 Magazine
A valuable new chart of Hawksmoors potent and mysterious creations. Its originality lies in the way Owen Hopkins traces the influence of the great Baroque architect on our present moment. Written with the verve of an enthusiast and the rigour of a scholar.
Iain Sinclair, author of London Orbital, Lights Out for the Territory, American Smoke and Lud Heat.