Damian Thompson (2)

This is less about how to justify keeping books by making the display of them appealing, and more about how to display them if you've already decided that you're going to keep them. And even though the pictures are supposed to be of treasures one can't bear to be parted with, the books are too often leaning higgledy-piggledy and being otherwise abused.

Or the shelves and arrangements are very pretty but if some books were actually pulled out to be read the tableau would lose all it's show more aesthetic value. Or if new books were brought in and they had the wrong color spine, oh my. And of course there's the obligatory spine-in case, which makes no sense to me.

It's the Tootsie Roll of decorating books. Still unhealthy sugar, and not even good chocolate to make it worthwhile.

All that being said, I do drool over the custom shelves on p. 102-3, all different sizes, for stereo speakers, favorite sculptures, and books of different sizes, and (I imagine) series of different lengths. It looks like something from Piet Mondrian almost.

And I liked the minimalist idea on p. 123. In all white hallway, open shelves would be too messy looking, and glass fronts or solid fronts would be clinical. The use of chicken wire adds whimsy and just the right amount of concealment. (And would work well in the kitchen, too.)

Btw, I read very little of the text as it just doesn't concern me. It seemed to me mostly just practical advice that we already know (books are heavy, so be careful) or descriptions of what the pictures show. show less

A beautiful book and a must have for book lovers everywhere. The book is high quality printed with ton's of pics and info on decorating with books in every room of the house. The ideas are unique and lots of the pics give a look into other peoples homes. After all book lovers like to see other peoples collections as well. There are lots of great ideas to arrange, display, organize and store your books. A really nice book to pick up and glance through while inspiring your next book purchase.

Do not get me wrong, I ? Books. I am a Librarian, I have many books. In reference to this particular book: Too many books? Is there such a possibility? Why, yes there is and this book is proof.

This book is comprised mostly of full page color photographs, but they gave me sensory overload.... I do not want a bookcase in my dining room or my bathroom (damp moldy books), one that takes up most the wall space in my living room, bedroom or office.

Then there is the 1/2 page on bookends..... Ahem, show more with only two small photographs as examples? I don't think so. I wanted to see the one made of live goldfish in 1/2 bowls!

In my opinion, this book fell extremely short... show less

A book for any book lover. The title says it all.