Professor Cambridge traveled all over 2 1 countries, looking for the most beautiful library in the world.

According to American media reports on the 22nd, libraries are not only the epitome of human knowledge, but also witness the fashions of architecture, interior design and art in different times. However, James Campbell, a teacher majoring in architecture and art history at Cambridge University, couldn't find a book tracing the history of the library from the perspective of architecture, so he decided to write one himself. So he and the famous photographer Will Price began an epic journey.

In three years, they went to 265,438+0 countries and visited 85 big libraries. In the end, all the achievements were collected in their book Library: A World History. Now they introduce their favorite library to everyone.

China tianyige

Tianyi Pavilion, located in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, was built in the middle of Ming Dynasty. It is the earliest private library in China, the oldest library in Asia and one of the three oldest family libraries in the world. Campbell said, "Many old books are no longer here, and it is very rare to photograph the books that were originally on the shelf."

North Korea Haiyin Temple Tibetan Scripture Pavilion

Located in Kade Mountain, the Tibetan Scripture Pavilion of Haiyin Temple is famous for its world-class cultural heritage, the Koryo Tripitaka, which was born in the 3rd century/kloc. The bookshelves in the temple are not books, but more than 80,000 woodblock prints dating back to 125 1. "It's enlightening and reminds us that people here invented printing centuries before Gutenberg in Europe," said photographer Price.

Peabody Library of America

Peabody Library in Baltimore is part of Johns Hopkins University. Price said, "At first glance, there are countless books and finely crafted railings. An industrial-age temple creates a church-like effect. Although full of classical details, its columns, columns, terraces, handrails and ceilings are all cast iron, and all the weight is borne by the lowest concert hall. "

Italian Malatesta Library

"This is the closest place to a medieval library," Price said. The library was built in 1452 by cesena aristocrat Malatesta Novello. The books that Malatesta ordered to be copied by hand are still kept in the library. These books are kept in the original position and chained on the table to prevent theft.

Ademont Library, Austria

The Ademont Library is the most beautiful and largest monastery library in the world, which was built in 1776. Campbell said, "When you step into the bright and impressive hall along the simple corridors and stairs, it seems that there is an effect of getting on the stage. There is no desk here, because it has never been a place to study, but it was built for viewing. The monk will take the book he has taken to his room to read. "

Merton College Library, UK

Merton College is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford University. Its library was built in 1373, which is one of the oldest libraries still in use in the world. Many facilities can be traced back to1late 6th century. "Because universities don't have that much money, although they are not as gorgeous as the libraries of palaces and monasteries, they are still excellent," Campbell said.

Portuguese Annie Hu Na Library

The spectacular Annie Hu Library reflects the past wealth and strength of Portugal. "The room is dark, but the delicate Jin Yezi gives off a wonderful light. Then the color behind each bookcase is different, with a complete staircase system and a secret door leading to the reading room, "Price said.

Spanish Coriell Library.

The Escorell Library is located in Madrid. Price praised its groundbreaking. "It set a good example for decorating library walls with books, and we have been using it ever since. The bookcases, books and murals in the whole hall show a harmonious collocation. Built in 1585, it was imitated by later generations. "