The Library

London : Thames & Hudson, 2020. Quarto, pictorial boards, gilt-lettered cloth spine, pp. 328, extensively and lavishly illustrated. New copy.

‘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 accompanied by photographs by Will Pryce, one of the world’s leading photographers of interiors and architecture. Arresting and technically flawless, his photographs are both lucid and deeply atmospheric.’

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.

‘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

A true delight for the bibliophile.