In this book an endeavour has been made to gather together some accounts of the more remarkable examples of old church furniture which are now extant in the parish churches of England; with lists of all chancel screens, and of the best instances of old altar slabs, altar plate, fonts, pulpits, lecterns, piscinas, holy-water stoups, stalls, enches, embroideries, chained books, and other details.
(Preface, Aug. 1907)

In preparing a second edition, for which there has been an unexpectedly early demand, the writers desire to thank most cordially their numerous friends and many previously unknown correspondents, who have most kindly forwarded corrections or pointed out omissions.
(Second edition, Jan. 1908)

The altar, in the mediæval Church, was the central object, the one essential part of the furniture, without which the due performance of worship was impossible.