This gift book for library and interior design fans showcases over 20 historic and architectural library treasures from around the world. Guillaume de Laubier, a renowned French interior design photographer, captures the essence of these libraries, which preserve, cherish, and showcase human knowledge. From the dramatic Library of the Institut de France in Paris to the splendid Vatican Library in Rome, and the majestic Royal Library in El Escorial, Spain, to the famed New York Public Library, this book features national, scholarly, and religious libraries from 12 countries with a distinguished heritage and an architectural setting that emphasizes art and culture. Journalist Jacques Bosser traces the history of libraries from the present day to how they became famous repositories of knowledge. This elegant book is a fitting tribute to civilization’s crowning achievement. (This book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)