Country House Library

This book provides a comprehensive survey of British and Irish country house libraries, featuring new evidence of books in Roman villas and anecdotes about owners and librarians. It challenges the notion that these libraries were merely for show, arguing that they were profoundly scholarly and frequently used for intellectual pursuits.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 352 pages
\n Publication date: 06 August 2019
\n Publisher: Yale University Press
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This lavishly illustrated book provides a comprehensive survey of British and Irish country house libraries, encompassing new evidence that reveals the presence of books in Roman villas. It begins with a discussion of the acquisition, which sometimes borders on obsession, and delves into the process of designing library architecture. The author also challenges the notion that these libraries were merely for display, arguing that they were often profoundly scholarly, meticulously assembled, and frequently used for intellectual pursuits. The book is filled with engaging anecdotes about owners and librarians, offering fascinating insights into the history and culture of these institutions. For anyone who has a passion for books and the libraries that house them, The Country House Library is an essential volume to own.

Introduction:
The Country House Library explores the rich history and evolution of British and Irish country house libraries, from their early beginnings to the present day. This comprehensive book offers a detailed examination of these libraries, their contents, and their significance in the cultural and intellectual landscape of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

New Evidence of Books in Roman Villas:
The book begins with a fascinating discovery made by researchers in Rome. They have uncovered evidence that suggests that books were already being collected and stored in Roman villas during the first century AD. This groundbreaking evidence sheds new light on the origins of country house libraries and provides a glimpse into the early development of book collecting and preservation.

Survey of British and Irish Country House Libraries:
The book then provides a comprehensive survey of British and Irish country house libraries, covering a wide range of periods and styles. It includes detailed descriptions of the libraries themselves, their collections, and their architecture. The author also discusses the role of owners and librarians in the development and maintenance of these libraries, as well as the challenges they faced in preserving and expanding their collections.

Acquisition and Obsession:
One of the key themes of the book is the acquisition of books and the obsession that some owners had with collecting them. The author explores the various methods that owners used to acquire books, including purchasing, borrowing, and even stealing them. They also discuss the role of librarians in managing and preserving these collections, as well as the challenges they faced in keeping up with the demand for new books.

Library Architecture:
The book also delves into the process of designing library architecture. It discusses the different styles and designs of country house libraries, from the grand and opulent to the more modest and intimate. The author also discusses the importance of the library's location and the impact it can have on the overall design and atmosphere of the house.

Care and Neglect of Collections:
Another important theme of the book is the care and neglect of collections. The author discusses the various methods that owners and librarians used to preserve and protect their books, as well as the challenges they faced in maintaining their collections. They also explore the impact of changes in technology, such as the introduction of digital libraries, on the preservation and accessibility of these collections.

Scholarly and Intellectual Pursuits:
The author argues that country house libraries were not merely for display but were also profoundly scholarly and intellectual pursuits. They were often assembled with meticulous care and were frequently used for research, study, and intellectual discourse. The book includes anecdotes about owners and librarians who were passionate about their collections and who used them to advance their knowledge and understanding of the world.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, The Country House Library is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history, culture, and architecture of British and Irish country house libraries. It provides a comprehensive survey of these libraries, their contents, and their significance in the cultural and intellectual landscape of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The book is filled with engaging anecdotes and fascinating information, making it an essential volume for anyone who loves books and the libraries in which they are collected and stored.

\n Weight: 1394g\n
Dimension: 219 x 272 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780300248685\n \n