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The Country House Library
Beginning with new evidence that cites the presence of books in Roman villas and concluding with present day vicissitudes of 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 also disputes the notion that these libraries were merely for show, arguing that many of them 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.
Published in association with the National Trust
Published in association with the National Trust
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 7, 2018
Beautifully illustrated and meticulously researched, this is a fascinating exploration of country house libraries in Britain from Roman times onwards. It’s a relatively academic text but accessibly written for the general reader to enjoy as well. A must-have book for all those who love books and libraries.
January 26, 2018
Books, books, glorious books!
This beautifully produced and gorgeously, lavishly illustrated publication is far more than a coffee table book. It's a comprehensive history of British bookishness from its beginning to the present day. The main thrust of it covers the 17th to 19th centuries – the period when the country house came into its own and wealthy people saw Libraries as an essential feature of their homes. Mark Purcell looks at both the books and the rooms they were stored in, and differentiates between them by calling the book collections 'libraries' with a small 'l' and the rooms 'Libraries' with a capital 'L', and I'm going to stick with that for this review.
There's so much in the book that I'll only be able to give a flavour of it. Purcell has clearly had a ball prying into the bookshelves and book catalogues of centuries' worth of bibliophiles, and his enthusiasm is matched by deep knowledge, backed up with an immense amount of research. This results in a phenomenal amount of detail, which in the early chapters overwhelmed me a little and made the reading heavy going. Purcell doesn't simplify by explaining bookish vocabulary which may be unfamiliar to the general reader (like me!), so at first I found myself doing a bit of googling.
But I found that I gradually became fascinated, especially when I realised that the bookshelves of the rich – who, of course, were also the powerful – cast an interesting sidelight on many famous historical personages and the societies in which they lived. Because Purcell tells us as much about the storage of books as the books themselves, it also becomes an architectural history, and a history of the lifestyles, interests and leisure pursuits of these people – an aspect often not covered in standard histories which tend to be concentrated on politics and power.
Purcell follows a fairly linear timeline throughout. He starts with the speculation that the tradition of libraries in Britain began in Roman villas, with scrolls, and discusses in depth what kind of books would have been read. In the next few chapters, he covers the period up to and through medieval times, showing that there was a considerable level of scholarship amongst the nobility. He also discusses how books were stored before Libraries became a feature – in chests or flat on shelves in small studies or closets set aside purely for the purpose of reading and study. Not unnaturally, the main focus is on the English since they comprise by far the largest population, but happily he ranges out to Scotland, Ireland and Wales too throughout the book, which I found tended to bring together the histories of those nations, showing a common Britishness that often doesn't come through in histories or biographies of a particular subject.
He then goes on to discuss the foundations (and fates) of the great libraries of the late 17th and 18th centuries, some of which would later form the basis of many of our great national and public collections today (and some of America's and even Australia's too). By now, some of the collectors were including lighter, more entertaining books amongst the great classics and heavy religious texts – novels, but also lots of informative books, like cookery books, books on animal husbandry, etc. English was by now more common than Latin and Greek, and books in modern languages were beginning to appear on the shelves of the well-travelled. Illustrated books of things like foreign flora and fauna made me feel that this illustrated book is part of a long tradition, and while wikipedia and Google are fabulous alternatives for those of us with modest homes, I lusted for the libraries of the 19th century in particular.
I also lusted for their Libraries! From the illustrations, the earliest ones look rather bare and functional – huge half-empty rooms surrounded by shelving. But by the 19th century, Libraries had become living spaces where people spent part of their leisure time. Railways had allowed for the tradition of the weekend house party to begin, and Libraries were becoming part of the attractions of the country house, sometimes even including billiard tables, or being situated next door to the billiard room. Comfy seats appear – and footstools, card tables, open fires and reading lamps. The nouveau riche in particular went for comfort and novels, and I found myself longing to either be a nouveau riche 19th or early 20th century country house owner, or at the very least to be invited to one of their house parties. Another place to be added to my 'where to go when they invent a time machine' list.
In the major houses, books regularly outgrew the space in the main Library, (don't we all recognise that problem!), so that other rooms would gradually be co-opted into use as secondary Libraries. Purcell shows that many of the householders provided books and even occasionally specific Libraries for their servants, and some of the libraries gradually began to operate almost like public lending libraries for people in the surrounding countryside.
Purcell finishes by discussing the 20th century, when many of these libraries were sold off or donated, sometimes as a method of paying off swingeing inheritance taxes. He himself works with the National Trust, the body that has taken over responsibility for maintaining many of these great country houses on behalf of the nation, and he tells how they've gradually realised the bookish treasures they've acquired along with the houses. A sad and also happy end – the passing of a great tradition, but hopefully these books will be maintained and made available to scholars and the public for years to come, even if we're not allowed to actually read them.
As you can hopefully tell, I loved this – it might have been heavy going in places, but I learned lots about a subject dear to my bookish heart. And those illustrations are to die for...
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Yale University Press.
If you'd like to see some images of the illustrations, please feel welcome to visit my blog...
https://fictionfanblog.wordpress.com/...
This beautifully produced and gorgeously, lavishly illustrated publication is far more than a coffee table book. It's a comprehensive history of British bookishness from its beginning to the present day. The main thrust of it covers the 17th to 19th centuries – the period when the country house came into its own and wealthy people saw Libraries as an essential feature of their homes. Mark Purcell looks at both the books and the rooms they were stored in, and differentiates between them by calling the book collections 'libraries' with a small 'l' and the rooms 'Libraries' with a capital 'L', and I'm going to stick with that for this review.
There's so much in the book that I'll only be able to give a flavour of it. Purcell has clearly had a ball prying into the bookshelves and book catalogues of centuries' worth of bibliophiles, and his enthusiasm is matched by deep knowledge, backed up with an immense amount of research. This results in a phenomenal amount of detail, which in the early chapters overwhelmed me a little and made the reading heavy going. Purcell doesn't simplify by explaining bookish vocabulary which may be unfamiliar to the general reader (like me!), so at first I found myself doing a bit of googling.
But I found that I gradually became fascinated, especially when I realised that the bookshelves of the rich – who, of course, were also the powerful – cast an interesting sidelight on many famous historical personages and the societies in which they lived. Because Purcell tells us as much about the storage of books as the books themselves, it also becomes an architectural history, and a history of the lifestyles, interests and leisure pursuits of these people – an aspect often not covered in standard histories which tend to be concentrated on politics and power.
Purcell follows a fairly linear timeline throughout. He starts with the speculation that the tradition of libraries in Britain began in Roman villas, with scrolls, and discusses in depth what kind of books would have been read. In the next few chapters, he covers the period up to and through medieval times, showing that there was a considerable level of scholarship amongst the nobility. He also discusses how books were stored before Libraries became a feature – in chests or flat on shelves in small studies or closets set aside purely for the purpose of reading and study. Not unnaturally, the main focus is on the English since they comprise by far the largest population, but happily he ranges out to Scotland, Ireland and Wales too throughout the book, which I found tended to bring together the histories of those nations, showing a common Britishness that often doesn't come through in histories or biographies of a particular subject.
He then goes on to discuss the foundations (and fates) of the great libraries of the late 17th and 18th centuries, some of which would later form the basis of many of our great national and public collections today (and some of America's and even Australia's too). By now, some of the collectors were including lighter, more entertaining books amongst the great classics and heavy religious texts – novels, but also lots of informative books, like cookery books, books on animal husbandry, etc. English was by now more common than Latin and Greek, and books in modern languages were beginning to appear on the shelves of the well-travelled. Illustrated books of things like foreign flora and fauna made me feel that this illustrated book is part of a long tradition, and while wikipedia and Google are fabulous alternatives for those of us with modest homes, I lusted for the libraries of the 19th century in particular.
I also lusted for their Libraries! From the illustrations, the earliest ones look rather bare and functional – huge half-empty rooms surrounded by shelving. But by the 19th century, Libraries had become living spaces where people spent part of their leisure time. Railways had allowed for the tradition of the weekend house party to begin, and Libraries were becoming part of the attractions of the country house, sometimes even including billiard tables, or being situated next door to the billiard room. Comfy seats appear – and footstools, card tables, open fires and reading lamps. The nouveau riche in particular went for comfort and novels, and I found myself longing to either be a nouveau riche 19th or early 20th century country house owner, or at the very least to be invited to one of their house parties. Another place to be added to my 'where to go when they invent a time machine' list.
In the major houses, books regularly outgrew the space in the main Library, (don't we all recognise that problem!), so that other rooms would gradually be co-opted into use as secondary Libraries. Purcell shows that many of the householders provided books and even occasionally specific Libraries for their servants, and some of the libraries gradually began to operate almost like public lending libraries for people in the surrounding countryside.
Purcell finishes by discussing the 20th century, when many of these libraries were sold off or donated, sometimes as a method of paying off swingeing inheritance taxes. He himself works with the National Trust, the body that has taken over responsibility for maintaining many of these great country houses on behalf of the nation, and he tells how they've gradually realised the bookish treasures they've acquired along with the houses. A sad and also happy end – the passing of a great tradition, but hopefully these books will be maintained and made available to scholars and the public for years to come, even if we're not allowed to actually read them.
As you can hopefully tell, I loved this – it might have been heavy going in places, but I learned lots about a subject dear to my bookish heart. And those illustrations are to die for...
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Yale University Press.
If you'd like to see some images of the illustrations, please feel welcome to visit my blog...
https://fictionfanblog.wordpress.com/...
December 25, 2017
"The Country House Library" looks at privately owned books in Britain and Ireland from the Roman Britain villas in the 1st century to the country house (and town house) libraries of more recent times. The author talked about the types of reading material, including information like the languages they were written in, the materials used, how they were stored and organized, and how they acquired. He also explored where the books were kept and the furnishings in those rooms (if known). He talked about known private book collections--who owned them, how many (or what value of) books they owned, and significant or commonly-owned titles in those collections. He also talked about what happened to various collections, like destruction in fires or dispersal through selling, inheritance, and such.
The author also talked about changes in how and why books were acquired, the types of books deemed desirable, how books were stored, and such. He included people's descriptions of various collections and rooms to give an idea of how people viewed these collections at the time. This book included beautiful, full-color pictures of libraries, significant books, and paintings that show people reading books. There was enough focus on changes in collecting habits, storage, and such that I found the book very interesting.
I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The author also talked about changes in how and why books were acquired, the types of books deemed desirable, how books were stored, and such. He included people's descriptions of various collections and rooms to give an idea of how people viewed these collections at the time. This book included beautiful, full-color pictures of libraries, significant books, and paintings that show people reading books. There was enough focus on changes in collecting habits, storage, and such that I found the book very interesting.
I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 18, 2017
Purcell has written an exhaustive history of the English Country House library. And I do mean exhaustive.
He begins his book from the Roman age in Britain, and continues chapter after chapter with a timeline of private libraries. If you are interested in a discussion of the "books formerly in Lord Burlington's villa at Chiswick are today at Chatsworth", then this is for you. The book is clearly written for academics.
He does have a very good reason for writing this book. He doesn't want the country house library to be forgotten. As he states, "The time when country houses were at the centre of the library world has gone, and whole swathes of the books on country house shelves now hold little appeal for many. Theology and classical scholarship, for example, loom large on many ancestral shelves, but these have steadily moved from being matters of central importance for any well-trained mind to subjects widely regarded as irrelevant or abstruse, or even incomprehensible or unutterably boring".
It is a lot to wade through.
On the other hand, it is beautifully photographed. I found myself dreaming what would it be like to lose oneself in one of these libraries.
He begins his book from the Roman age in Britain, and continues chapter after chapter with a timeline of private libraries. If you are interested in a discussion of the "books formerly in Lord Burlington's villa at Chiswick are today at Chatsworth", then this is for you. The book is clearly written for academics.
He does have a very good reason for writing this book. He doesn't want the country house library to be forgotten. As he states, "The time when country houses were at the centre of the library world has gone, and whole swathes of the books on country house shelves now hold little appeal for many. Theology and classical scholarship, for example, loom large on many ancestral shelves, but these have steadily moved from being matters of central importance for any well-trained mind to subjects widely regarded as irrelevant or abstruse, or even incomprehensible or unutterably boring".
It is a lot to wade through.
On the other hand, it is beautifully photographed. I found myself dreaming what would it be like to lose oneself in one of these libraries.
December 3, 2017
A well-researched volume featuring essays tracing the history of English country house libraries. Much of the information on contents of these libraries is derived from estate inventories and published catalogues. One essay discusses its counter-part, the town house library, specifically in the context of those who owned both homes in places such as London as well as in the country. The book was interesting but probably bogs down a bit for the average reader due to its academic nature. The book, however, will interest persons passionate about the history of books and libraries. The book contains a number of illustrations featuring country house libraries and their features. The review is based on an advance review copy received from the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.
January 31, 2024
Equal parts monograph and coffee table book, the author spent fifteen years of his working life as the National Trust's roving librarian tending to this herd of white elephants. As for the live question of how much were these libraries work horses, and how many were there because you only can only slap so many paintings on the wall, the answer is that most of these books, at the time they were acquired, were actually used. The issue these days is that there are masses of theology and obsolete history which are really only of interest to actual scholars; this is where Purcell comes in. If your country house has been declared a national landmark, and you're receiving some sort of financial offset, you do have to offer entry to your collection to appropriate readers, and the author was involved in administering these matters. Be that as it may, this book is going to be of most interest to people who have an actual professional interest in either libraries or book collecting; for the general reader it's probably the sort of book you dip into, rather than read cover to cover.
April 12, 2020
Interesting history of country house libraries and how they were formed and populated. Way too dense for the casual reader.
February 3, 2018
When I first saw the cover of The Country House Library, I imagined that it would consist of beautifully photographed, magnificent reading rooms in houses much older and grander than mine. The book surprised me by being so much more than that!
Yes, there are many photographs of incredible private libraries and gorgeous books, but also the history of the libraries and the people who built and used them, and information about how books were stored, collected and cataloged. The sections are divided chronologically, beginning from Roman Britain and the Magna Carta, and continuing to the twentieth century.
I loved reading about 'Wressle Castle and the Percys" and the 'Paradise Study," a private reading room at the top of a tower. The book is full of interesting pieces that I do not want to spoil here.
I love the look of the library at Arundel Castle, although it is impossible for me to pick a favorite fantasy library from among the ones included in the book.
Very well documented, with over 45 pages of references at the back. I found it a very enjoyable read. I want my own copy. Highly Recommend for the book lover history buff.
*eARC Netgalley*
Yes, there are many photographs of incredible private libraries and gorgeous books, but also the history of the libraries and the people who built and used them, and information about how books were stored, collected and cataloged. The sections are divided chronologically, beginning from Roman Britain and the Magna Carta, and continuing to the twentieth century.
I loved reading about 'Wressle Castle and the Percys" and the 'Paradise Study," a private reading room at the top of a tower. The book is full of interesting pieces that I do not want to spoil here.
I love the look of the library at Arundel Castle, although it is impossible for me to pick a favorite fantasy library from among the ones included in the book.
Very well documented, with over 45 pages of references at the back. I found it a very enjoyable read. I want my own copy. Highly Recommend for the book lover history buff.
*eARC Netgalley*
November 28, 2017
At first glance, my initial question was: Why do I not own a country house library in Ireland? The photos and history contained in this book not only made me want to give up everything, and move immediately into one of the homes described but also they made me realize the ever-important need for preservation of knowledge, especially in this digital age. This book makes a great present for book, history, and architect-lovers.
January 2, 2018
Or: libraries in houses that are fancier than you've ever been in or will ever even hope to own. If you're fond of the libraries of old country houses (yes, I have a weakness for old books and fancy houses), then you will find much to enjoy in this book.
Want to Read
January 9, 2018Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews