Product Description

The English country house has flourished over the centuries because of its ability to adapt to the changes in English society. This book is an account of the ways in which the upper-class life style were reflected in the houses in which the wealthy and powerful lived. First published in 1978, this is a history of the English country house from the point of view of its owners and users. Ranging from the Middle Ages to the world of Evelyn Waugh, the author also discusses and illustrates how the life of the upper classes shaped their country hosues, how they entertained and were served, how they ran the country and their estates and how they reconciled personal privacy and public display.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #80655 in Books
• Published on: 1993-11-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Customer Reviews

excellent, easy to read book
An absolute diamond of a book. As a student of art history I have to read a lot of boring text books. Girouards style of writing is fun, factual and far from boring. His descriptions of events and places are fantastic you could almost believe you were there. While he brings humour to the subject he does not belittle it. A very enjoyable, informative read and definately a must have for anyone interested in or studying the history of the English Country house

Great writing
I agree with the other review. In this, and in an earlier book about Victorian houses, Mark Girouard devised the way to write the history of the country house. He traces its architectural development, but also explains the complexities of its ever-changing social organisation. All Girouard's books are very well-researched and clearly-written and he has a great eye for unusual and interesting detail. This is one of his best: delightful to read, beautifully illustrated and funny. I recommend it highly.