Life in the English Country House: Social & Architectural History Book | Perfect for History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

If you wish to read extensively on the evolution of the English country house from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, this is an erudite, lucid and compelling read. Written by Oxford architectural historian, Marik Girouard, his narrative illustrates how social, political and economic changes were reflected in the architecture. He provides the context for the evolution in style which fascinates.He provides a perspective on the life of the upper class in England for over 500 years. You see how they dined, entertained, slept, socialized, and interacted with their servants, tenants, King and Queen and villagers. There are accompanying images - about 250 with 33 in color. I would have liked more color images, but wouldn't have wanted to sacrifice much of the text for it. There were enough images to support the author's major points.Some of the details which fascinated:* the word 'parlour' came from monastic context in the monks' telling rooms - the word came via the French parler: to talk* in the 1600's it was more important to be witty than learned. Folks admired 'the device' or ingenuity which appeared in their homes, too* closets weren't initially clothes-storage place - closets were for the owner's private space where he/she met his/her closest friends and occasional romantic liasons* Elizabeth I had her own homes, but preferred to stay in others - if a Lord or individual got too powerful or rich, she and her entourage would stay with them and cause financial hardship* Libraries weren't originally in house plans until after the 1600's as most owners didn't own too many books, and book learningwasn't as important until later* Symmetry represented divine order - as many marriages were arranged for political and financial regions, male and female had their own rooms and spaceThere are many more fascinating details in this book. It is highly informative, and might take a second reading to grasp it all. You will feel you are sitting in an engaging class on architectural and social history at Oxford while reading this book