Overall: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Content: 5/5

Meticulously researched, this book is definitely worth reading, especially fans of old country houses and private libraries.

Beautifully illustrated and meticulously researched, this is a fascinating exploration of country house libraries in Britain from Roman times onwards. It’s a relatively academic text but accessibly written for the general reader to enjoy as well. A must-have book for all those who love books and libraries.

Or: libraries in houses that are fancier than you've ever been in or will ever even hope to own. If you're fond of the libraries of old country houses (yes, I have a weakness for old books and fancy houses), then you will find much to enjoy in this book.

"The Country House Library" looks at privately owned books in Britain and Ireland from the Roman Britain villas in the 1st century to the country house (and town house) libraries of more recent times. The author talked about the types of reading material, including information like the languages they were written in, the materials used, how they were stored and organized, and how they acquired. He also explored where the books were kept and the furnishings in those rooms (if known). He talked about known private book collections--who owned them, how many (or what value of) books they owned, and significant or commonly-owned titles in those collections. He also talked about what happened to various collections, like destruction in fires or dispersal through selling, inheritance, and such.

The author also talked about changes in how and why books were acquired, the types of books deemed desirable, how books were stored, and such. He included people's descriptions of various collections and rooms to give an idea of how people viewed these collections at the time. This book included beautiful, full-color pictures of libraries, significant books, and paintings that show people reading books. There was enough focus on changes in collecting habits, storage, and such that I found the book very interesting.

Purcell has written an exhaustive history of the English Country House library. And I do mean exhaustive.
He begins his book from the Roman age in Britain, and continues chapter after chapter with a timeline of private libraries. If you are interested in a discussion of the "books formerly in Lord Burlington's villa at Chiswick are today at Chatsworth", then this is for you. The book is clearly written for academics.
He does have a very good reason for writing this book. He doesn't want the country house library to be forgotten. As he states, "The time when country houses were at the centre of the library world has gone, and whole swathes of the books on country house shelves now hold little appeal for many. Theology and classical scholarship, for example, loom large on many ancestral shelves, but these have steadily moved from being matters of central importance for any well-trained mind to subjects widely regarded as irrelevant or abstruse, or even incomprehensible or unutterably boring".
It is a lot to wade through.
On the other hand, it is beautifully photographed. I found myself dreaming what would it be like to lose oneself in one of these libraries.

A well-researched volume featuring essays tracing the history of English country house libraries. Much of the information on contents of these libraries is derived from estate inventories and published catalogues. One essay discusses its counter-part, the town house library, specifically in the context of those who owned both homes in places such as London as well as in the country. The book was interesting but probably bogs down a bit for the average reader due to its academic nature. The book, however, will interest persons passionate about the history of books and libraries. The book contains a number of illustrations featuring country house libraries and their features. The review is based on an advance review copy received from the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

File downloaded included a title page and black, blank pages after. Multiple attempts to refresh and download differently garnered same results.

When I first saw the cover of The Country House Library, I imagined that it would consist of beautifully photographed, magnificent reading rooms in houses much older and grander than mine. The book surprised me by being so much more than that!

Yes, there are many photographs of incredible private libraries and gorgeous books, but also the history of the libraries and the people who built and used them, and information about how books were stored, collected and cataloged. The sections are divided chronologically, beginning from Roman Britain and the Magna Carta, and continuing to the twentieth century.

I loved reading about 'Wressle Castle and the Percys" and the 'Paradise Study," a private reading room at the top of a tower. The book is full of interesting pieces that I do not want to spoil here.

I love the look of the library at Arundel Castle, although it is impossible for me to pick a favorite fantasy library from among the ones included in the book.

Very well documented, with over 45 pages of references at the back. I found it a very enjoyable read. I want my own copy. Highly Recommend for the book lover history buff.

At first glance, my initial question was: Why do I not own a country house library in Ireland? The photos and history contained in this book not only made me want to give up everything, and move immediately into one of the homes described but also they made me realize the ever-important need for preservation of knowledge, especially in this digital age. This book makes a great present for book, history, and architect-lovers.

This is a fun book for any library or book lovers out there.