A library is not just a collection of books; but also the buildings that house them. As varied and inventive as the volumes they hold; such buildings can be much more than the dusty; dark wooden shelves found in mystery stories or the catacombs of stacks in the basements of academia. From the great dome of the Library of Congress; to the white façade of the Seinäjoki Library in Finland; to the ancient ruins of the library of Pergamum in modern Turkey; the architecture of a library is a symbol of its time as well as of its builders’ wealth; culture; and learning.
#200975 in Books 2013-10-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 12.00 x 1.40 x 9.50l; 5.13 #File Name: 022609281X320 pages
Review
46 of 47 people found the following review helpful. A gorgeous volume!By George SandSophisticates used to say they bought Playboy to read the articles and paid no attention to the pictures. I bought this book for the opposite reason: to look at the gorgeous pictures of libraries through the years — and they are gorgeous!However; I deigned to read a few words of the text; and discovered that it was fascinating and beautifully written; so I read it in detail. While it speaks about libraries; it also treats the various external factors that affected libraries; including their shifting patrons — the state; the church; the nobility; the plutocrats; the philanthropists; and the democrats. It also considers the effects of technology — the invention of books; paper; movable-type printing; gas lighting; electricity; and computing. Not to mention the evolution of architectural styles from classical to medieval; renaissance; baroque; rococo; neoclassical; Victorian; and modern. And; of course; the incorporation of the fine arts into library design.Although enjoyably readable; the book also includes all the scholarly apparatus necessary for a true student of libraries. Any lover of books; libraries; or beautiful buildings will delight in this volume.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I was slightly disappointed the focus was so heavy on the buildings--but when ...By Mitch HaileI essentially read this in one sitting (about 14 hours). Initially when I flipped through it; I was slightly disappointed the focus was so heavy on the buildings--but when I got to reading it; I learned quite about about the relationship of the buildings and some of the challenges of preserving books. There's a lot more here than just architecture and there's a lot of great architecture. I learned a lot--this book filled numerous holes of my knowledge and uncovered many new areas to explore. The end notes and bibliography are wonderful as well; enough context to pick and choose next steps; warnings on outdated materials; etc.This book covers libraries in Europe; North America; Asia; and some notes about the Incas; Aztecs and Mayans. I don't recall seeing much (anything?) about modern South America or Australia as I write this review.Anyway; it's a beautiful book. If you're reading these reviews; you should get the book.10 of 11 people found the following review helpful. fantasticBy Tony B.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.
