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liralen's review against another edition
4.0
Gorgeous, gorgeous examples of libraries -- there's a definite emphasis on old books and soaring architecture here, with elaborate spiral staircases and spaces that look like museums rather than libraries. The Österreichische Nationalbibliothek Wein, the Národní knihovna Praha, the Real Gabinote Português de Leitura Rio de Janeiro -- just such stunning places, such obvious ambiance. There's also juxtaposition against the very modern, though, and places that look terribly institutional.
Eco's essay, while a little out of date by now (the book was published in 2005, but the essay is originally from 1981), is nonetheless funny and on-point. (Yes, I just called it both out of date and on-point; read it, you'll understand.) I really must read [b:The Library of Babel|172366|The Library of Babel|Jorge Luis Borges|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1213638002s/172366.jpg|2235183], which he references.
Not within the scope of this book, but I'd have loved to see photographs of personal libraries as well -- these pictures don't run to coziness! (Whenever I start imagining my dream home, I never get further than the library...)
Eco's essay, while a little out of date by now (the book was published in 2005, but the essay is originally from 1981), is nonetheless funny and on-point. (Yes, I just called it both out of date and on-point; read it, you'll understand.) I really must read [b:The Library of Babel|172366|The Library of Babel|Jorge Luis Borges|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1213638002s/172366.jpg|2235183], which he references.
Not within the scope of this book, but I'd have loved to see photographs of personal libraries as well -- these pictures don't run to coziness! (Whenever I start imagining my dream home, I never get further than the library...)
diannel_04's review against another edition
5.0
This book was all pictures of amazing libraries so it was more eye candy than easy reading. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I want to visit all the libraries in here.
eely225's review against another edition
4.0
Libraries are defined by their mission to promote access to information. This collection is interesting principally for the visual spectacle, but it also asks a question. Are the grand archways celebrating the idea of information making information inaccessible? Beauty makes those who feel at home in beautiful spaces seek out information but they are often the ones who need information least. Do those ladders on rollers ever roll? Are the tables with little green lamps filled? What does access look like when an architectural celebration of access disinclines the visitor toward practical access in reality?
These aren’t my decisions to make, but they’re the questions prompted in me. Still, Hofer provides alternatives: small spaces where the library and seminar blend together. Or ones where technology provides the access that a ladder and ancient bookcase may not. But in comparison these rows of keyboards seem so banal that they disincline one toward access too.
Libraries struggle perpetually with the balance between beauty and practicality to promote information accessibility. This survey of great, mostly European libraries shows that it’s a balance that is as hard to achieve now as it ever was.
But either way, the book is quite a ride for anyone who gets an extra pep in their step at the mention of the word “library.”
These aren’t my decisions to make, but they’re the questions prompted in me. Still, Hofer provides alternatives: small spaces where the library and seminar blend together. Or ones where technology provides the access that a ladder and ancient bookcase may not. But in comparison these rows of keyboards seem so banal that they disincline one toward access too.
Libraries struggle perpetually with the balance between beauty and practicality to promote information accessibility. This survey of great, mostly European libraries shows that it’s a balance that is as hard to achieve now as it ever was.
But either way, the book is quite a ride for anyone who gets an extra pep in their step at the mention of the word “library.”
papilionna's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful. The photographs are stunning and the essay by Umberto Eco is a must-read for anyone who works in a library. I want to marry this book.
danarsh's review against another edition
4.0
A lot of interesting libraries, some boring. I wish there was more of a description for some of them because you don't really know what the story is.
bibliocyclist's review against another edition
3.0
Fears for the future of libraries, 1981: “The worst will come when microfiches have completely supplanted the book.” Hopes for future libraries, 1981: Open stacks and a “unified card-index.” #1 most beautiful library: Biblioteca Nacional, Rio de Janeiro. To view dozens of other gorgeous contenders from around the world and reflect upon your library dreams and nightmares, read Candida Höfer’s Libraries and pick a favorite of your own.
raeleenlemay's review against another edition
5.0
Read for Popsugar's 2018 Reading Challenge #39: A Book That Involves a Bookstore or Library
The essay by Umberto Eco at the beginning didn't appeal to me at all (I read 2 paragraphs then decided to skip it) but hot dang this book was amazing. It's a photography book filled with the most beautiful photographs of libraries from around the world (but mostly in Europe) and I couldn't get enough. I took my time with this one and really appreciated each and every page, and I feel like that is the best way to read this book. If you love libraries, or even just books in general, this is a must read. And if you're lucky like me and can get a copy from your local library, then even better!
I've been telling myself for years that I would buy less books and use the library more, but I never end up following through the way I'd like to. Reading this book has given me the push I needed to finally make an effort, because the love for libraries really jumps off the page and makes you want to go to the library IMMEDIATELY. It also made me a bit sad that my library is nowhere near as nice as the ones in this book lol
The essay by Umberto Eco at the beginning didn't appeal to me at all (I read 2 paragraphs then decided to skip it) but hot dang this book was amazing. It's a photography book filled with the most beautiful photographs of libraries from around the world (but mostly in Europe) and I couldn't get enough. I took my time with this one and really appreciated each and every page, and I feel like that is the best way to read this book. If you love libraries, or even just books in general, this is a must read. And if you're lucky like me and can get a copy from your local library, then even better!
I've been telling myself for years that I would buy less books and use the library more, but I never end up following through the way I'd like to. Reading this book has given me the push I needed to finally make an effort, because the love for libraries really jumps off the page and makes you want to go to the library IMMEDIATELY. It also made me a bit sad that my library is nowhere near as nice as the ones in this book lol
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