Book: The Country House Library

The Country House Library: A Treasure Trove of History and Obsession

Beginning with new evidence citing the presence of books in Roman villas and concluding with present-day collecting, this generously illustrated book presents a complete survey of British and Irish country house libraries.

Replete with engaging anecdotes about owners and librarians, the book features fascinating information on acquisition, bordering on obsession, the process of designing library architecture, and the care (and neglect) of collections.

The author disputes the notion that these libraries were merely for show, arguing that many were profoundly scholarly, assembled with meticulous care, and frequently used for intellectual pursuits.

For those who love books and the libraries in which they are collected and stored, The Country House Library is an essential volume to own.