Massimo Listri. The World's Most Beautiful Libraries

Libraries have long been a source of knowledge, learning, and imagination, offering a sense of infinite possibility. Massimo Listri's new photographic journey explores some of the oldest and finest libraries, dating as far back as 766, revealing their architectural, historical, and imaginative wonder. Featured libraries include the papal collections of the Vatican Apostolic Library, Trinity College Library, and the Laurentian Library in Florence, and their often lively, turbulent, or controversial pasts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 560 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2021
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

Libraries have held a captivating fascination for humanity, spanning from the majestic halls of ancient Alexandria to the ornate ceilings of the Morgan Library in New York. Unlike any other concept or space, these repositories of knowledge, learning, and imagination evoke an infinite sense of possibility. They serve as the unparalleled domain of discovery, where every faded manuscript or majestic clothbound tome holds the potential to unveil a provocative new idea, a distant fantasy, an ancient belief, a religious conviction, or a wholly novel way of perceiving the world. In this captivating photographic expedition, Massimo Listri ventures to explore some of the oldest and most renowned libraries, unveiling their architectural, historical, and imaginative marvels. Through grand wooden doors, ascending staircases, and along meticulously curated corridors, he guides us through a diverse array of private, public, educational, and monastic libraries, dating back to 766. These medieval, classical, Baroque, Rococo, and 19th-century institutions house some of the most invaluable records of human thought and deed, inscribed and printed in manuscripts, volumes, papyrus scrolls, and incunabula. Listri's poised images capture the unique atmosphere of each library, as well as their most prized holdings and design details. Featured libraries include the papal collections of the Vatican Apostolic Library, Trinity College Library, renowned for housing the Book of Kells and Book of Durrow, and the holdings of the Laurentian Library in Florence, the private library of the influential House of Medici, designed by the renowned Michelangelo. Alongside each featured library, meticulous descriptions provide insights into the libraries astonishing holdings, highlighting notable highlights. However, these libraries are not merely repositories of knowledge; they also possess rich and often lively, turbulent, or controversial histories. Like Altenburg Abbey, they have witnessed the ebb and flow of human endeavors, serving as centers of learning, creativity, and intellectual discourse throughout the ages. Through their doors, we gain a glimpse into the minds.

Weight: 6796g
Dimension: 460 x 318 x 74 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836535243