Book Description
All of the libraries in the world-whether small or large, public or private-serve the same purpose: to preserve, cherish, or show off the riches of human knowledge. Now, for the first time, an internationally renowned photographer takes the reader on a journey to more than 20 of the most historic of these magical places, all architectural treasures. From the dramatic, baroque Library of the Institut de France in Paris, to the splendid Vatican Library in Rome; from the majestic Royal Library in El Escorial, Spain, to the famed New York Public Library, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece-here are some of the most exquisite libraries of the Western world.
Included are national, scholarly, and religious libraries from 12 countries, which have in common a distinguished heritage and an architectural setting that emphasizes art and culture. The accompanying text traces the history of libraries to the present day, and describes how they came to serve famous personalities and men of letters. Libraries must be counted among civilization's crowning achievements; this elegant book is a fitting tribute to that accomplishment.
Customer Reviews:
Read it first, bought it later.......2007-05-29
I had read the book as part of a reading list assignment. Liked it so much, I decided to buy it as a gift for an old friend who is now enjoying it also.
the title says it all.......2007-04-14
The great libraries of history have endured such vicissitudes of fortune through the centuries - destruction by revolution, war and fire, dispersal through pilfering, confiscation, monastic decline, loss of patronage - & perhaps the unkindest cut of all, at one point the sale of its books by Oxford University to pay the librarian's wages. It is truly astonishing that so much has survived. This book is a celebration of 23 of these unique and beautiful cathedrals of knowledge in America and Europe.
At a time when most of his subjects were illiterate, the Austrian Habsburg Charles VI created the Hofbibliothek in Vienna. He decreed that its doors be open to (almost) everyone; they could enter free of charge and as often as they wished, but there were a few exceptions: the library was off limits to "ignoramuses, servants, idlers, talkers and gawkers." Alas, the Hofbibliothek is no longer free and, like many libraries included in this book, it is now accessible only to a favoured few.
Indeed, the closest most of us will ever get to the Hofbibliothek or the 22 other great libraries enshrined in its pages is through this book, and for this reason alone, it belongs in the book-lover's collection. There is a brief history of each library, but the real attraction is the spectacular colour photography, including several "gatefold" pages which open to provide wonderful panoramic views nearly 3 feet wide.
Next to the awe-inspiring magnificence of Hofbibliothek, the white and gold Baroque splendour of the Benedictine Abbey Library of Admont in Austria rivals the gold and marble Rococco opulence of the Monastic Library of Wiblingen near Ulm Germany, although after secularisation the latter lost most of its vast book collection.
Another Baroque wonder is The National Library of the Czech Republic in Prague, with its twisted wood columns and trompe-l'oeil frescoed ceiling which draws the eye upward "to confound the true already impressive scale of the hall". When I had the good fortune to visit nearly three decades ago, ironically, it was as a "gawker", on a bus tour of Eastern Bloc capitals. Whisked in and out, we were prohibited from taking photos; no postcards or souvenir booklets were available; memory faded. I am especially pleased to find this unique library included here.
The Vatican Library might be mistaken for a grand reception hall; gold leaf papal insignia, and biblical-themed frescoes framed by ornate moldings cover its panelled walls and vaulted ceilings - and not a book in sight. All of its books are hidden behind securely locked doors. The Vatican Library is, however, open to authorized researchers and its catalogue of 1.6 million printed works is fully computerized.
The somewhat austere National Palace Library in Mafra, Portugal was modeled after the Hofbibliothek in Vienna, but the money ran out before completion and the Franciscans who took it over in 1792, in keeping with their vow of poverty, declined to gild the woodwork, whitewashing it instead. This has faded to a peaceful but elegant cream, against which the coloured titles of the leather book bindings stand out.
A relative new-comer at barely a century old is the John Ryland Library in Manchester, England, commissioned by the widow of a rich industrialist to commemorate her husband's memory. It was designed to resemble the interior of a Gothic cathedral complete with soaring arches, carved oak panelling and stained glass windows but also was equipped with electricity, air conditioning and millions of dollars worth of rare books.
Less ostentatious, perhaps, but still beautiful and certainly more democratic are University Libraries at Oxford, Cambridge and Dublin and truly public libraries in New York City and Washington, D.C.
If your appetite has been whetted by "The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World" you may want to look for more in-depth treatments. For the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, just such a book exists, the lavishly illustrated "Treasures of the Library of Congress" by Charles Goodrum, Abrams, 1980, 318 pages. It contains views of the interiors and chapters on the building of the Library of Congress and its book collection, but the emphasis is on many other artefacts housed there - its vast collection of music scores, sound recordings, films, Orientalia, prints and historic photographs. "Treasures..." is long out of print, but used copies can be found.
An invaluable book.......2007-02-19
This is a marvelous book to whoever loves books.
It presents many important historic libraries in the world; each library is presented in informative and sober texts and with accompanying photos. These photos try to capture the overall look of the library (even if this is rather difficult) and several interesting details, sometimes including secondary rooms. The texts focus on the history of the library in question, but also give some information about contents.
There is only a minor quibble, and it cannot be taken too seriously: the authors had to chose and that led them to ignore many marvelous libraries. If there is one I particularly lack, it would be the Real Biblioteca da Universidade de Coimbra (Royal Library of Coimbra University, one of the oldest European Universities). It has been stated to be 'the most beautiful library in the world', and I cannot but agree.
But this is probably a question of personal taste. As it is, the book is wonderful and useful.
Beautiful Libraries.......2007-01-12
Great pictures and text depict some of the most beautiful libraries in the world! Gives me encouragement and inspiration for my humble library at home!
Gret serice.......2006-08-28
Book camme immediately - and was brand new, and in beautiful condition. Thank you so much
Product Description
This Dandelion Library 2-Books-in-1 features a Russian folk tale, "My Mother is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World" and a little boy's early morning experiences at the shore, "I Saw the Sea Come In."
Average customer rating:
- *One of the sweetest, most poignant stories . . .
- My Mother is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World
- My Mother is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World
- A charming lesson on "looking through the eyes of love."
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My Mother Is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World: A Russian Folk Tale
Becky Reyher , and
Ruth Gannett
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
 European
| Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Stories
| Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Nonfiction
| Parents
| Family Life
| People & Places
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ages 9-12
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0688512518 |
Customer Reviews:
*One of the sweetest, most poignant stories . . ........2007-01-15
. . . a story of Love to be shared.* A mother who is "lost" to her child leaves us with that terrible feeling in the pit of the stomach. But we always believe that in most children's books the outcome will be happy so we can survive some tension & tears!
When a story is demanded by children, over and over, the telling of it assumes a style and rhythm unique to that family. "My Mother is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World" is a folk tale adapted from Russian lore. There are similar tales in other cultures that have been passed on through generations. That is part of the delight of being an author who can insert her/his own style & color into a new version - knowing it will go forward to give the writer a small bit of immortality.
This story, adapted by Becky Reyher has been given rollicking, color-filled, story-telling illustrations by Ruth Gannett. A perfect pairing. The 1995 "reissue" must be a 50th anniversary edition of my own 1945 copy. And now Reviewer mcHAIKU can joyously search out the best copies for my own "most beautiful" children.
My Mother is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World.......2000-07-13
A wonderful children's book that tells the story of a young boy lost from his mother. Throughout the book he searches for his beautiful mother. The eyes of everyone but him see beauty in a different way. The eyes of love, however, sees true beauty. I read this book to my daughter when she was small and I am now looking forward to reading it to my granddaughter!
My Mother is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World.......2000-07-13
A wonderful children's book that tells the story of a young boy lost from his mother. Throughout the book he searches and the eyes of everyone but him see beauty in a different way. The eyes of love, however, see true beauty. I read this book to my daughter when she was small and I am now looking forward to reading it to my granddaughter!
A charming lesson on "looking through the eyes of love.".......1999-09-29
This is a charming story of a child lost and reunited with her peasant parents. When I was a children's librarian I used to read this to my first graders who all thought that their own mothers were beautiful. Now that I teach in high school I use it as an comparison for a Japanese story by Kawabata. It is the perfect explanation of "looking through the eyes of love."
Book Description
Journey along with Dr. Meg Lowman, a scientist who, with the help of slings, suspended walkways, and mountain-climbing equipment, has managed to ascend into one of our planet’s least accessible and most fascinating ecosystems--the rain-forest canopy. “Fresh in outlook and intriguing in details, this book will strengthen any library collection on the rainforest.”--Booklist
Book Description
"Seven-year-old Juan lives in Guatemala, a place of stunning beauty and grim economic reality. Abandoned by his mother, Juan lives with his grandmother and shines shoes. He passionately wants to attend school, but fears Grandmother will say no. Finally gathering his courage, he is surprised when she not only agrees to send him to school but also chides him about the importance of standing up for himself. Juan tells this bittersweet story, which reads smoothly and powerfully on several levels, with warmth and dignity."--Booklist.
Customer Reviews:
A little masterpiece.......2006-10-07
I love this book. Working in a library, I've been happy to be able to show it to so many people. The hero has a hard life and a mother who doesn't love him. But he has a roof over his head at his grandmother's house, and a simple determination to work, to help, and to learn.
There's an indescribable feel to this book, almost a scent, different from any other book. It really is a masterpiece.
Beautiful book!.......2005-09-13
I am from Guatemala City and currently living in the US, I read this book with my daughter and she loved it, this book has helped me to explain some of my culture to her. She knows that "anyplace can be the most beautiful place in the world..."
Great Story, Great Model.......2005-07-21
I have read this book aloud to my first and second grade students for years. It is an excellent story, well told, with all the realities of a different culture in a different situation than USA children. However, it is painted with the strokes of deepest, realistic love that a family can have. This is a great story to teach and talk about the struggles of families everywhere, the world and it's differences, and the importance of character "no matter what". It is the book my second graders yearn to read on their own and therefore is a super motivator. It is rich in geography.
The Moust Beutiful Plas.......2003-10-08
The story that I read was really snappy and cool. It's called The Most Beautiful Place in the World By Ann Cameron. There was a boy named Juan and his grandmother. There was also Juan's mom. It takes place in San Pablo, Guatamala. The problem is she leaves him for ever and his mom doesn't let him visit her. He really loves his mom after his dad left them.Some one would want to read this book because its really sad and who ever loves tragedy or not it's a really good book.I recommend this book to people of any age.
A wonderful book to read aloud.......2003-03-16
I teach 3rd grade, and I read this book aloud to my students each year. Ann Cameron gives a realistic picture of a child abandoned by his mother, and taken in by his grandmother.
She gives a wonderful message about the importance of education and asking for what is really important to you. Although this book is written in easy to read language and great illustrations, the author's messages are best discussed with young ones. I thank Ann Cameron every time I read this book.
Average customer rating:
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The Most Beautiful Libraries of the World
Guillaume de Laubier , and
Jacques Bosser
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Building Types & Styles
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
| ADA Compliant
| Environmental
| General
| Hotels, Restaurants, & Retail Spaces
| Museums
| Religious Buildings
| Residential
| Specific Styles
General
| Library & Information Science
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
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The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World
ASIN: 0500511551 |
Customer Reviews:
To get started in architecture and design.......2006-06-16
this refers to the 1989 Penguin Edition-
Asa mechanical engineer in my late thirties I started to know what architecture was all about and its relation to design. It turns out that its not easy to have a comprehensive introduction to the theme. Fortunately, Through Amazon and its reviews and suggested I bought this wonderful book and I was captivated, not only by the perspective it gives on the architecs work, but also on the insight about design it provides.
A subjective essay on the subjective task of home-building.......2006-05-12
This book by the author of "Home: A Short History of an Idea" (1986) is a more subjective and less disciplined examination of that same topic. Professor Rybczynski uses his experience as an immigrant trying to "fit in" as a lens for looking at what in means to build ones own home. The skeleton of this story is the author's own decision to build a shed to which he can retreat on weekends (for more on weekends, read the author's "Waiting for the Weekend," 1991) and build a boat he can sail away in. At some point the shed becomes more of a barn and then, when he finally abandons his plan to build a boat, it becomes a permanent home for himself and his wife. For me, the book is less about architecture, the act or craft of building, and more about morphing and the undpredictable ways life unfolds. Taken in that vein, Rybczynski's story can be appreciated as a spiritual journey with many sidetrips and gentle awakenings. He is self-critical, but not self-deprecating. And he infuses his tale with enough humor to keep the reader interested without taxing credibility. I especially enjoyed his description of his wife, Shirley, who does some morphing of her own. At the beginning (when the couple was building a mere boathouse), she is little more than an extra pair of hands; when the couple decides to make the structure they have been building into their home, Shirley suddenly becomes a full-fledged "client," full of opinions and demands.
Although, Rybczynski describes several impressive architect conceived and built houses (such as Wright's Fallingwater and Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth house), it is the houses built by their owners that he most celebrates--Mark Twain's home in Hartford, Connecticutt, Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford, Robert Lewis Stevenson's Vailima in Samoa, artists Carl and Karin Larsson's much documented Lilla Hyttnas in Sundborn, Sweden, and Carl Jung's home in Bollingen, Switzerland. "It is no coincidence," writes Rybczynski, "that Stevenson, Scott, Clemens, Larsson, Castrejon, and I were less than forty years old when we built our homes.... The process of building, for all of us, was a process of installing ourselves in a place, of establishing a spot where it would be safe to dream. We had to be old enough to recognize the particularity--and limits--of our dreams, but not too old to believe in them....My house had begun with the dream of a boat. The dream had run aground--I was now rooted in place." (pp. 190, 193)
BLURRY WRITING.......2005-08-22
I have to agree with another reviewer this book has little to do with home building and is much adieu about nothing. In the end I was a little digusted at what got built....but then again what is beautiful?
I am a fan of the author and this is my 3rd read by him. I do have to warn potential readers that sometimes this book rambles on about topics most readers would have VERY little interest in. On the flip side the book does contain passages that are highly entertaining. Its about 50/50
This is a book that comes in and out of focus, a style of writing I believe the author enjoys. I guess in order to get books out in the marketplace as often as Witold does he must resort to digressing on just about any topic that pops into his mind.
With that said, he is an intellect...he's well traveled and leads what I believe to be a pretty interesting life.
This is an average book, I was expecting a bit more about home building and a bit less esoteric rhetoric. But then again, nothing churns out books better than rambling away.
Holy Digression!.......2004-01-03
This book did not come close to meeting my expectations. Of the 200 pages in this book, scarcely 30 actually pertain to the author's house building experience. It appears "the Most Beautiful House" subject was merely a excuse to ramble from one topic to another. One minute he is talking about animal sacrifices & liver divining, the next he is discussing the verb "to habit". I was sorely disappointed and struggle to find any redeeming quality in this work. Readers be warned that this book is a motley crew of diatribes on topics having little to do with The Most Beautiful House in the World.
See Under: Function and Form.......2001-07-14
This book, an extension in action of the literal expressed in the earlier historic study "Home," takes notion to application in the form of constructing a boat house. Interwoven into the text is an historic overview -albeit briefly- of seventeenth to twentieth century architecture (mies, le corbisier, wright), the elements, motifs, and functional aspects associated with the broader field. Along the way one has the sense the author is being contemplative (although not digressive) in the approach toward considering all phasesof development; a sometimes apt metaphor for the arrival at both the functional and practical. The book itself is well arranged, the letterhead holding sturdy upon the page. It is compact, holds well in the hand and is highly accessible: one could easily read in one sitting. Of interest for anyone engaged in projects in addition to their immediate structure.
Average customer rating:
- Annie dresses in her own UNIQUE style to please her grandma.
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The Most Beautiful Kid in the World
Jennifer A. Ericsson
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
Fiction
| Multigenerational
| Family Life
| People & Places
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ages 4-8
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Meddaugh, Susan
| ( M )
| Authors & Illustrators, A-Z
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0688139426 |
Book Description
Grandma is coming for dinner, and Annie wants to be the most beautiful kid in the world. But she doesn't feel beautiful in the scratchy dress and droopy tights Mama's picked out for her. Mama won't mind if Annie makes a few little changes, will she? Ages 3-up.
Customer Reviews:
Annie dresses in her own UNIQUE style to please her grandma........1997-04-01
This book was tons of fun. Annie manages to stay out of her mother's view while she creates her own unique ensemble. While mom has visions of a sweet, demure girl in ribbons and a pinafore, Annie is transforming herself into a wild mix of long underwear, ballet tutu and ponytails all over her head! A smear of peanutbutter on the lips is the final touch before she shocks her mother and runs to the door to throw herself into the arms of her grandma -- a grandma who is sporting a cowboy shirt, purple pants and big bobbly earrings! Looks like Annie's taste in clothes skipped a generation. What fun
Average customer rating:
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The Worlds Most Beautiful Birds (Reading Rocks!)
Annie Buckley
Manufacturer: Child's World
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
Nonfiction
| Birds
| Animals
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ages 9-12
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1592968643 |
Customer Reviews:
Insignium Astartes.......2006-07-19
I was happy with the product, the condition and the information it provided. However, I was expecting more Space Marine Chapters to be involved or more information on other Chapters other than the Ultrmarines. Overall, the product was worth getting to add to my knowledge of the Imperial Forces.
Book Description
This is the visual history and annecdotal story of the mascots, pets, companions and best friends that have made up a whole side of air history retrieved from legendary archives of the National Air & Space Museum.
Customer Reviews:
Animals Aloft.......2007-02-15
An excellent and amazing collection of photos and stories about animals involved with early aviation pioneers.
Animals and Aviation Pics.......2006-02-27
Probably the most unusual book I've ever seen. Who in the world would have thought of searching zillions of airplane related photographs to assemble a collection that also includes animals.
A very unique gift for animal lovers and/or aviation buffs. Definitely not one they are likely to already have in their collection and it is a real first-rate hardback edition -- not a cheap photocopied paperback.
A Terrific Book.......2006-01-04
This book is a beauty. It's a coffee table tome, but slightly smaller, so it fits easily in the hand, and the historic photos, both black & white and color, are crisply reproduced and delightful to study. The text manages to be both learned and droll; the author is evidently a lover of both airplanes and animals, and an elegant, engaging writer. You'll choose your own favorite airborne animal. Mine was Billy, the goat with a parachute, and Kiddo, the airship cat. And there's the Red Baron's flying Great Dane! Not that he's likely to have had a hamster. Highly recommended!
Offbeat fun.......2005-11-17
Terrific amusement for pet lovers, history buffs, airplane aficionados, etc. A very original approach for pulling selections from the Air and Space Museum's vast photographic collection.
A Wild Collection of Photographs.......2005-11-17
In addition to their marvelous airplane collection, the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum also has a collection of over a million and a half photographs related to Air and Space.
This book is made up of photographs selected out of that collection by the author who is a museum specialist in he Archives Division. The first pictures come from the earliest days of flight in hot air balloons. They continue through some of the experiments run in space. Inbetween are photographs throughout aircraft history, including Roy Rogers and Gene Autry loading Trigger and Champion onto plances.
It is clear that whatever happens, people regardless of what they are doing will have pets, and they will take these pets along with them wherever they go.
Average customer rating:
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It's Pub Time, Andy Capp
Reggie Smythe
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Andy Capp
| Comic Strips
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Comic Strips
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0449128520
Release Date: 1985-02-12 |
Average customer rating:
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IT'S PUB TIME, ANDY CAPP
Manufacturer: Fawcett Gold Medal
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000I15WBI |
Average customer rating:
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It's Pub Time, Andy Capp!
Smythe
Manufacturer: Fawcett Gold Medal
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Andy Capp
| Comic Strips
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000NLTWRS |
Product Description
Three individual mass market paperbacks published between 1971 and 1975. Save on shipping by ordering the set!
Books:
- The Nature of Design: Ecology, Culture, and Human Intention
- The Old Barn Book: A Field Guide to North American Barns and Other Farm Structures
- The Slate Roof Bible: Understanding, Installing and Restoring the World's Finest Roof (The Slate Roof Bible, 2nd Edition)
- Tibor Kalman, Perverse Optimist
- Trompe L'Oeil Sky and Sea
- Ultimate Bathroom Design
- Ultra Light - Super Strong: A New Generation of Design Materials
- Understanding Construction Drawings
- Victorian House Designs in Authentic Full Color: 75 Plates from the "Scientific American--Architects and Builders Edition," 1885-1894
- Waterfront Homes: 200 Plans for River, Lake or Sea
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know--And Doesn't
- History: Fiction or Science
- Apoptosis, Cell Signaling, and Human Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms, Volume 2
- Biomembranes: Molecular Structure and Function
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream
- High Five
- Finger Food: Bite-Size Food for Cocktail Parties
- Civilizing Terrains: Mountains, Mounds and Mesas
- American Architecture since 1780: A Guide to the Styles
- Mushrooms of North America in Color: A Field Guide Companion to Seldom-Illustrated Fungi
At Home with Books: How Booklovers Live with and Care for Their Libraries
Libraries
Decorating with Books (House Beautiful)
Library: An Unquiet History
Libraries in the Ancient World
