Design writer Jacques Bosser and photographer Guillaume de Laubier have brought together a beautifully designed, breathtaking visual archive of more than twenty of the most magnificent libraries in the Western world. The great Baroque libraries in particular were conceived of as unified works of art with richly programmatic decoration. The libraries featured range from the glorious Benedictine Abbey Library of Admont in Austria (above right), to the Mazarine Library in Paris, the Bodleian Library in Oxford, the Wren Library at Trinity College, Cambridge, the National Library in Prague and the Library of Congress in Washington.
Any such selection is bound to seem a little arbitrary - and the brief historical accounts can be somewhat oversimplified - but as the title suggests this book is a glorious opportunity to enjoy some of the finest interiors in the world. One single image of the Abbey Library of Saint Gall folds out to a length of 2 1/2ft across.
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Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 picturesPlus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
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Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courtsFrom Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
