The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World

This hefty coffee table book presents the origins of some of the most distinguished and beautiful libraries around the world. There are only 23 libraries featured in here but I found the selection to be well-made, though it focuses almost exclusively on the great libraries in Europe, one in Russia, and several from the United States.Bibliophiles will particularly appreciate the beautiful color photographs of these amazing repositories of knowledge and learning, showcasing old structures that reflect Gothic and other styles. Aside from the photographs (most of which are full page), the book also details each library's history. I was fascinated to learn how the renowned Bodleain Library in Oxford came about. Up until 1598, Oxford University did not really have a library to speak of, due largely to mismanagement, censorship in the form of purging of any text with references to Catholicism, and more. It was only in 1598 that a man named Thomas Bodley came upon the scene and spent years creating a proper library in Oxford.The libraries featured here are:National Library of Austria - Vienna, AustriaThe Benedectine Abbey Library of Admont - Admont, AustriaThe Monastic library at Wiblingen - Ulm, GermanyThe Benedictine Abbey Library of Metten - Metten, GermanyThe Herzogin Anna Amalia Library - Weimar, GermanyThe Vatican Library - Rome, ItalyRiccardiana Library - Florence, ItalyThe Mazarine Library - Paris, FranceThe Institute Library - Paris, FranceThe Senate Library - Paris, FranceThe Cabinet Des Livres of the Duc D'Aumale - Chantilly, FranceThe Abbey Library of St. Gall - Saint Gall, SwitzerlandBodleaian Library - Oxford, EnglandWren Library, Trinity College - Cambridge, EnglandThe John Rylands Library - Manchester, EnglandTrinity College Library - Dublin, IrelandThe National Library - Prague, The Czech RepublicThe Library of the Royal Monastery of El Escorial - San Lorenzo del Escorial, SpainThe National Palace Library in Mafra - Mafra, PortugalBoston Athaenaeum - Boston, USAThe Library of Congress - Washington, DC, USAThe New York Public Library - NY, USAThe National Library of Russia - St. Petersburg, Russia

I got this book as a special holiday treat one year, and it is a marvelous book full of luscious photographs and histories of places that most of us will never see. In general though, the libraries, being Western European treasures of a certain age, are extremely ornate. As it happens, my taste in decor must be more serene -- I found too many of the photos to be unappealing(!) Or rather, the photos were beautiful, but the places were unappealing. The biggest exception to that surprising observation was the John Rylands Library, in Manchester, England, which I hope one day to visit.I love books, and think that a book project of this nature is a fine thing, and it is a well made book. But I was left feeling unsatisfied.I would have given it 3 stars, because I am sad that it leaves me so hungry, but truly it is no fault of this book. Buy it if you like it, only do please consider whether you really want it. It's a gorgeous coffee-table book, but, by the same token, it's a big, expensive thing to have laying about if you don't quite love it.

I buy a lot of books like this for specific room purposes. We were going to build, bought instead and are remodeling. Most books of this kind I expect to be impressed by, if I'm lucky, 50% of what's presented. Not so with this book. I was extremely impressed with nearly every library depicted with the exception of the US libraries (hmmm, I wonder what that says about us?). Of course, with monarchies who can divert monies wherever they like, this is the result you'll find in European / Eastern block libraries. Regardless of my snarky attitude, the results of what can be done with unlimited architecture, fine artisans and time is very well represented here. I also bought the book for my mother who is a librarian and she was equally impressed. If you like libraries and their architecture, I feel certain you will enjoy this book.

"The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World"is kept on the fireplace mantlepiecein our library for people to come andview. I liked the book so much I boughtmy father it for Valentine's Day. He hasvisited many libraries and gone on librarytours in Europe, so the pictures broughtback many memories for him and reminded himof how our ancestors treasured librariesand kept the books in good condition.Anybody who is a library connoisseur willenjoy this book. As written in the introduction,"One must spend hours upon hours, and days upondays in the cocoon of a great library in orderto understand and love the cozy isolation that itcan provide. Some people will never break awayfrom its spell and remain eternal readers, havinglost the desire to discover the real world. Otherswill know how to find lin libraries both knowledgeand its instruments."EnjoyCynthia Nakai

I purchased this for myself then for a friend who is also a lover of fine books and libraries. It is a magnificent edition; the stories as well as the photos are fascinating. Both of us use this book as part of our decor that proclaims our admiration for these amazing places.

SOME OF the most beautiful libraries, indeed. Don't worry about what isn't here and just enjoy what is. The pics are large (often a spread) so you don't miss out on wonderful details. A few locations seemed like buildings ornamented with books vs "defined by" but ok, it's still great eye candy. The only gripe I will put front and center is omission of Coimbra (both historical and breathtakingly beautiful) -- perhaps it's been too "done".

THANK YOU SO MUCH. IT'S A MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK

The most beautiful book on world famous libraries. The pictures of frescoes and paintings will take your breath away. The text is lucid and written in such a manner that even a layman will be interested in the topic. This book is a must buy for every bibliophile. Great book.

Great book very happy to have this in my collection. Wonderful photos and history. Arrived in perfect condition.

Gave this as a gift to a librarian and she loved it.

Amazing book, my friend adored it!