Historic Interiors Book

With its long and rich history, the United Kingdom boasts a remarkable wealth of styles in its period interiors. Escorting us not only through extraordinary spaces but through time as well, this volume leads us on a photographic tour of dozens of stately homes, from the late medieval splendor of Rufford Old Hall in Lancashire through the glittering rooms of Polesden Lacey, home of early 20th-century socialite Mrs. Greville, with stops at many splendid Elizabethan, 17th- and 18th-century, and Victorian residences. Unfortunately, the quality of the photography is uneven; many of the photos are good but a number of them do not sparkle as they should; some are underlit and murky and some include distracting glare from the windows. The serious student of architectural interior history may be somewhat dismayed at the book's organization: the format tries to echo the movement through a house, so that rather than a house-by-house survey we begin with halls, staircases, and long galleries, then proceed to living rooms, eating rooms, bedrooms, and finally rooms for contemplation (i.e., private chapels, libraries, print rooms). However, a vague attempt at a chronological progression of photographs within each chapter does hint at a progression of styles, and casual readers wanting to peek inside some unique and often luxuriant residences will find their curiosity rewarded. --Amy Handy Read More