Description
Product description
Review
‘Glorious’ – Sunday Telegraph
‘A lavish tribute to the architecture of libraries, the culture of learning and our ever-changing relationship with the written word from ancient to medieval modern … this great book is itself a rich library’ – Saga Magazine
‘A fascinating read for anyone who appreciates books and the beautiful buildings they’re housed in’ – Elle Decoration
Book Description
The definitive worldwide architectural history of the library, with spectacular original photography by one of the finest architectural photographers at work today
About the Author
Dr James Campbell, an architect and art historian, is Seear Fellow in Architecture and History of Art at Queen’s College, Cambridge. His books include The Library: A World History and Brick: A World History, both published by Thames & Hudson.
Will Pryce, a trained architect and award-winning photographer, is the author of six books, all published by Thames & Hudson.
Ambitious and wide-ranging, this is the first single volume to tell the story of the library as a distinct building type, all around the world and from the beginnings of writing to the present day. In its highest form the library is a total work of art, combining painting, sculpture, furniture and architecture. From their designs for the libraries of ancient Rome to those of the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris, architects have sought to outdo each other by producing ever more spectacular settings. The author and photographer have travelled the globe, documenting some eighty libraries. Architectural historian James Campbell contributes an authoritative and highly readable account. Will Pryce is one of the world’s leading photographers of interiors and architecture. Arresting and technically flawless, his photographs are both lucid and deeply atmospheric.
Z Hayes –
Meticulously researched and beautifully photographed book on the history of libraries
“The Library: A World History” by James W.P. Campbell is a beautiful book. At 328 pages long, there is much to appreciate within, and if you are a bibliophile like I am, you will find yourself mesmerized. I spent a good portion of this afternoon (about four hours) reading and perusing this wonderful book that stitches together a compelling narrative about the history of libraries throughout time. Almost every page contains a full color photograph that captures the beauty of various libraries found throughout the world.The author follows a chronological format in describing these libraries. The focus is not so much on the content of the libraries, although the photographs capture the tomes in all their glory, showcased in beautiful and majestic settings, but more on the history of the libraries and how they came into existence. As I am fascinated by history, I was particularly riveted by the chapter on the libraries of the ancient world, amazed at how the Library of Celsus (AD 135) in Ephesus, Turkey came to be; the ruins of the Library of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, Iraq, and also the chapter on libraries in the Middle Ages. The history behind each structure is compelling and spellbinding, and any booklover or student of architecture will find much to enjoy in this book.There are interesting nuggets of information alongside detailed descriptions of history and architecture. For example, can you imagine that the Shiba Ryotaro Museum in Osaka, Japan contains the entire book collection of the famed author himself, all 20,000 volumes? Or the fact that the second Earl Spencer was a bibliophile himself and was one of the earliest English aristocrats to amass a large private book collection which was housed in his country estate. He went on to found the Roxburghe Club, which was an exclusive club for book collectors, and he eventually donated his book collection to the British Museum.Here’s the contents of the book for easy reference:Chapter One: Lost Beginnings – Libraries in the Ancient WorldChapter Two: Cloisters, Codices, and Chests – Libraries in the Middle AgesChapter Three: Cupboards, Chains, and Stalls – Libraries in the 16th CenturyChapter Four: Walls, Domes, and Alcoves – Libraries in the 17th CenturyChapter Five: Angels, Frescoes, and Secret Doors – Libraries in the 18th CenturyChapter Six: Iron Stacks, Gaslights, and Card Catalogues – Libraries in the 19th CenturyChapter Seven: Electricity, Concrete, and Steel – Libraries in the 20th CenturyChapter Eight: The Future of Libraries in the Electronic AgeThere are comprehensive notes, a bibliographical essay, and an index at the back of the book. The photographs by Will Pryce make this book an aesthetic piece of art, and I would go as far as to say, this is a must-have for anyone who has enjoyed the beauty of a book and who loves spending time in a library.
Hande Z –
Boundless store of knowledge
As usual, this Thames & Hudson book is a wonderful coffee table book. It is also an indispensable resource book for any bibliophile. The photographs by Will Pryce are works or art and had there been no text the book would still be a wonderful five-star book, but the text concerning the history of libraries is an informative addition and makes this the best of the three big books on libraries of the world. Chapter one takes us to the libraries of the ancient world. Sadly, the library of Pergamum, described as ‘second only to the Library of Alexandria’ has better coverage than the Library of Alexandria itself, but that is because there is virtually no historical material other than hearsay evidence of its existence. The book goes on to cover the libraries of the middle ages with the author taking us to the cloisters, codices, and chests of those libraries. Chapter 3 concerns the libraries of the 16th century where books are first found chained to the selves. The rest of the book takes us in successive chapters to libraries in the 17th century until we see the beginnings of the modern libraries in chapters 6 and 7, that is, from the gaslit libraries to libraries of electricity, concrete and steel. The last chapter, chapter 8 takes us right into the future with amazing libraries such as the Liyuan Library in China, made of wood, and the Grim Centre in Berlin. Two contrasting models of the imaginative creations that indicate to us that in spite of digital books, libraries are still relevant and important. The other two big books on libraries are the 2005 edition, ‘Libraries’, a magnificent book of delightful photographs by Candida Hoffer and a charming essay by Umberto Eco. The third is ‘Libraries’ by an unnamed team of Roads Publishing. This is the thinnest volume and focuses on modern libraries. The Thames & Hudson volume is by far the most expensive, but if you are getting only one, that should be the one.
DaveG –
Beautiful book
Worth it for the photos alone but the accompanying text is interesting too.
Hande Z –
Boundless store of knowledge
As usual, this Thames & Hudson book is a wonderful coffee table book. It is also an indispensable resource book for any bibliophile. The photographs by Will Pryce are works or art and had there been no text the book would still be a wonderful five-star book, but the text concerning the history of libraries is an informative addition and makes this the best of the three big books on libraries of the world. Chapter one takes us to the libraries of the ancient world. Sadly, the library of Pergamum, described as ‘second only to the Library of Alexandria’ has better coverage than the Library of Alexandria itself, but that is because there is virtually no historical material other than hearsay evidence of its existence. The book goes on to cover the libraries of the middle ages with the author taking us to the cloisters, codices, and chests of those libraries. Chapter 3 concerns the libraries of the 16th century where books are first found chained to the selves. The rest of the book takes us in successive chapters to libraries in the 17th century until we see the beginnings of the modern libraries in chapters 6 and 7, that is, from the gaslit libraries to libraries of electricity, concrete and steel. The last chapter, chapter 8 takes us right into the future with amazing libraries such as the Liyuan Library in China, made of wood, and the Grim Centre in Berlin. Two contrasting models of the imaginative creations that indicate to us that in spite of digital books, libraries are still relevant and important. The other two big books on libraries are the 2005 edition, ‘Libraries’, a magnificent book of delightful photographs by Candida Hoffer and a charming essay by Umberto Eco. The third is ‘Libraries’ by an unnamed team of Roads Publishing. This is the thinnest volume and focuses on modern libraries. The Thames & Hudson volume is by far the most expensive, but if you are getting only one, that should be the one.
Max Markham –
A Visual and Intellectual Feast
This is a coffee-table book with brilliant illustrations of some of the most beautiful libraries in the world. For that reason alone, it makes an ideal present; especially, perhaps, for that person who seems already to have everything. Moreover the text is scholarly and the history contained in it is fascinating. The oldest libraries featured are of clay tablets with cuneiform inscriptions; the most modern are very high-tech indeed (the British Library, for instance). In between are some magnificent temples of learning, such as Trinity College Dublin’s Library and the Bodleian. Enjoy it at leisure, when you have time to linger over the descriptions and illustrations.
Dr. Tim Parker –
Highlights some of the world’s best library spaces
I love libraries. When visiting somewhere, the library (and museums) are must-visits. Why? There’s the lure of the collection itself, sometimes containing special items that I wouldn’t get to see elsewhere. And then there’s the space itself. Libraries, like churches, are built to last, built to awe and inspire, and built to be practical. Libraries range from dull and dreary to magnificent and wonderful. This book looks at the second type, obviously!This is a collaboration between a photographer taking beautiful images of these spaces (and as such making a wonderful coffee-table type book), as well as a writer delving into the space and collections. The libraries are world-wide, ranging from the oldest intact library in the world (in Korea) to some of the incredible new spaces being built in places like China. They cover every type of architecture imaginable (and a few that I wouldn’t have imagined). The photographs are stunning and inspiring.More than a study of libraries, this is a study of the science of the library, too. It looks at why libraries exist at all, how they have changed as book technology has evolved, and how they cater to their patron’s requirements over the years. It looks at the special collections as much as the routine. The repository of human history to the dispensing of the latest top-10 books. It’s a statement on the capturing of human knowledge, how we convey that knowledge, and how we house an archive of that knowledge. It is a scholarly work, at heart, but framed in a context that makes it interesting and beautiful to look through.This is a rare volume, mostly because I can think of no other book that captures this subject so eloquently and beautifully. The combination of words and pictures is just right, allowing even a casual browser of the pictures to learn, and those who actually read to wonder at the marvelous photography. This has been one of my favorite books of the past year, and I am delighted to have it in my own library!
AlanMusicMan –
The Perfect Book for Book and Library Lovers
Whenever visiting any National Trust property or stately home, I always seek out the library and (if it is a good one) linger longest in there. Never having been hugely bookish myself, I nevertheless love the ambience of a Library. I think because it represents peace and civilisation and speaks of man’s highest ideals and aspirations. I could cheerfully spend days in the libabries at Stourhead, Anthony and Cragside – and many others. How wonderful then to discover this book!This book is comprehensive in the text, taking in the whole sweep of how containers of human knoweldge (from tablets to hard drives) have been stored and accessed by scholars or by casual readers. It looks at libraries as social improvement tools, as the centre of academic enquiry, as status symbols as public utilities and as religious statements, or just as attempts to storehouse all of human knowledge.The text is eminently readable, and logically flows. However, you will derive equal pleasure from just looking at the superb photographs which lift the book into the realms of perfection – enhanced even more by the print quality (probably the best quality printed book I have ever seen).As a package, for me as a lover of the whole idea of libraries, it takes my breath away. If you share that passion it should do the same for you.
Tony B. –
fantastic
I bought this book as it was offered by another book club I belong to: The Folio Society. It was highly recommended, and they weren’t wrong, it is a great book to read and browse. I also have a small library in my house and wanted to improve the look of the book cases (I am also a wood worker) and thought this would provide some wonderful inspiration, and that it did. But the vast number of libraries in the world, nearly all I would never, but would love to, see, is astonishing. A few of them I have seen talked about on various TV shows lately, the History channel for one if memory serves me, and it was also great to see in this book, very old library’s that have been in existence for centuries, like one in Turkey since AD 155, although not sure it has books in it any more, or what they used for books back then. Then there is one in South Korea from 1251. Still in use! But one of the things I love the most is the huge libraries, seemingly stories high made of beautiful wood carvings, citing one example: The Library of the Abbey of St. Gall, St. Gallen, Switzerland, 1765. A beautiful book that will keep you enthralled for ages, especially if you are a book lover as well as someone who will get excited over the magnificence of the architecture of libraries, inside and out.
Pete Bogg –
As informative as it is beautiful
Yes, this is a coffee table book, and probably appeals mostly to bibliophiles (and perhaps architecture students). As such, bibliophiles can simply flip through the pages and appreciate the lovely photos. But if the size and weight aren’t off-putting (it’s perhaps best read at a desk or, if one has one, medieval angled lectern), it has a wealth of information on the development of the form and function of libraries through the ages, showing how the need to protect and preserve books, the desire to present them both for use and for appreciation as cultural objects, and the changes brought by varying tastes and the development of technology changed the appearance of libraries. Particularly gratifying, especially in a book of this size and scope (from ancient Mesopotamia to the new millenium, and spanning the globe), is how the photos match the subject discussed on that page. Such care for the reader is the mark of a thoughtful editor (which one expects from the U. of Chicago Press), and it makes the reading more enjoyable.
Ames –
Eye candy
What an informative and BEAUTIFUL book.