Product Description

Of all the photographs in the "Country Life" archive, none are more poignant or intriguing than these images of houses that have been lost. In a great number of cases, the photographs taken by the magazine for their weekly feature on country houses are also the only record of many of the most important houses and interiors that were destroyed. This text puts the demolition of country houses in its historical context and explains why so many were destroyed. These pictures have been gathered together to provide a powerful impression of the richness and variety of the English country house and of the treasures that were destroyed through demolition or fire in the 20th century.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #88489 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 192 pages

About the Author
Gile Worsley is the architecture correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. He was formerly architectural editor of Country Life and then editor of Perspectives on Architecture.

Customer Reviews

Finding the lost houses of England
England's lost houses is the type of book that encourages the reader to return again and again. Following the development of architectural awareness throughout the first half of the twentieth century, Giles Worsley's book is beautifully illustrated with photographs from Country Life magazine and the text gives plenty of descriptive material for the discerning reader. Finding that places one knows in one's locality once boasted a fine country house designed by Robert Adam or with plaster-work by Joseph Rose will no doubt stir an interest in finding out more and will lead the reader to a deeper understanding of the changing attitudes that have, eventually, saved other houses for the nation. Although an expensive book, England's Lost Houses is well worth the price and will become one of those editions that will never be placed on the bottom shelf.

so much lost heritage
There is something so sad about a beautiful house that no longer exists except in the pages of a book. This is what we have here and it really is astounding how many fine country houses were lost in the 20th Century for whatever reason be it wanton destruction or fire. Times change and we now value what remains. The book is beautifully illustrated with black and white photos of exteriors and interiors. I can thoroughly recommend this book as a fascinating record of lost heritage and a valuable lesson to be learned from past mistakes.

Lost houses rediscovered
This book, although rather expensive, explains in fine detail how we have come to lose some of the most beautiful buildings in the country. Tracing the growing awareness of the need to conserve examples of architecture and interior design throughout the twentieth century, the author uses primary sources from Country Life to explain the reasoning behind the loss and salvation of houses that were and are an important part of our landscape and heritage. Although, sadly, many houses are now gone forever, we can relish the photographs of how they once were and celebrate the endurance of those that we can still visit. Excellent!!