The Country House: Past, Present, Future: Great Houses of The British Isles

I have so many books about British country houses (one of my obsessions) that I wasn't sure I really needed another one. But I decided to go for this one, and I'm glad I did.It's a very big book, and the advantage of that is that the pictures are big as well, mostly full page or even double page, with very natural colors, and crystal clear, so every detail stands out while you still get the large scale impression that these large scale houses deserve, in all their glory, both outside and in. It's 431 pages long, probably 2/3 or 3/4 pictures, so it's an overwhelming feast for the eyes, with beautiful and meaningful photographs I don't remember seeing before. Most of the pictures are new and full color, but there are also many interesting historical ones in black and white, as well as gorgeous reproductions of paintings from past centuries showing these houses as their owners used and enjoyed them at the time. It's big, but with a lot of content, and, if you care about these houses, it will make you think, and see them anew. The other great advantage is the book's organization. Rather than just go from individual house to house, it is arranged by topics to give a broad view of social, aesthetic, historical, and perhaps most importantly, economic developments. There are eight general essays and another eight covering more specific aspects of the long rise, sudden fall, and recent renaissance of the British country house. It's a National Trust book, but the houses shown and discussed include the privately owned as well, and Scottish, Welsh and Irish examples along with English ones. Dramatic accounts of astounding renovation projects after long neglect or disastrous fires are particularly thrilling.If you just wanted one, really comprehensive book on English country houses, this could well be the one. But even if you already have two or three (or four) shelves full, I don't think you'd want to pass it up. Its overall purpose is to show changing concepts over time of the meaning and purpose of the country house, during the 500 years or so when they served as family homes, agricultural estates, and centers of political power and social influence, and especially, over the last 30 years, since the famous Treasure Houses of Britain exhibit. (Full disclosure: I must admit to having been one amongst the hordes of elitist "East Coast American Anglophiles" enraptured and enthralled by that show.) By then the vast estates that once supported these great houses had very often been sold off or become less profitable, and the houses -- those that still survived -- were used primarily to safeguard important art and antiques collections and make them available to the public. Now, though, they often function in more diverse ways, as organic farms, hotels, holiday rentals, and wedding venues, paying for their own maintenance and still providing homes and income to families who at one time might have been forced to sell or abandon them.

This robust coffee table format book delivers a lot about British country houses. There are many, many magnificent color photographs of interiors and exteriors, as you might expect. But this book includes a series of thoughtful essays about the history of these types of homes and how they have changed over the years. The commentary is even-handed and quite interesting, bringing the reader right up to the present. Kudos to the Royal Oak Foundation and the National Trust for putting it together. Very well recommended.

Beautiful photography. I love books on English country houses. This one was very good, but not the best of the lot.

I purchased this as a gift for someone who is an architect. He was very impressed by this book- a different, more concise book about specific Country Houses in much more detail than the usual books of this nature. Very happy purchase!

Lovely book. Amazing phots. A good blend of history and decor.

This book is full of beautiful pictures and great information of each building. Very informative.

Chock full of breathtaking, full-color photos, accompanied by detailed, informative narrative. Well worth the price.

liked the book and condition very much

In the current bonanza of books on the English country house, another general overview could easily be superfluous. The photography is excellent, but that alone would not make it stand out from the crowd. Musson's thematic chapters feel fresh despite the familiarity of the topics. But it is Cannadine's introductory essay that pushes this volume over the line, making it a good addition to the aficionado's shelf and an ideal introduction for anyone new to the subject.

I had been lusting after this book for months, and with extra time on my hands due to lockdown I decided to splash out and treat myself. I was not disappointed.This book is beautiful; a feast for the eyes. The historical and archaeological content is really interesting, and all the featured houses are stunning inside and out.This is a perfect coffee table book. It’s real treat to be able to curl up with a cup of tea and just lose yourself in the sumptuous houses and interiors contained within this lovely book.

What a lovely book. Superb photos and interesting insights into aspects of country house design,building, and living.

we have several books on the subject - this is one of the best ...

Fantastic large book. Beautiful photo's. A quality by at a good price,