This volume recounts an odyssey through country houses in the years after World War II. Between 1946 and 1961 the author visited over 200 houses, becoming aware of the riches they contained, which were under threat from demolition men and dealers. He describes Nikolaus Pevsner being mistaken for the gas-meter-reader; reveals a secret hoard of porcelain at Slindon; and the curious discovery of an Alsatian in the bath at Draycot Cerne. In a dining room the family protraits still hang on the walls, and the Meissen stands in a cabinet, yet the centre of the room is piled high with turnips. Using archive photographs, the book describes country houses in their death throes, as mahogany staircases burn in the park and rococo ceilings shatter beneath the hammer.
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`The demolition of these houses is a tragic story, but the author's battles with weather and hostile caretakers, and his discovery of unexpected treasures, are entertaining and beautifully written.' Eric Anderson, Sunday Telegraph; `The best non-fiction book that I have read this year.' Ursula Buchan, Spectator; `An intensely romantic, poignant, angry, frequently hilarious and hauntingly illustrated memoir.' Hugh Massingberd, Daily Telegraph
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
John Harris worked at NME during the height of Brit Pop and was Features Editor at Q and Editor of Select. He now writes for Mojo, Rolling Stone, the Independent, the Guardian, The Times and the Observer and has a regular column in Q.
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24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
John Harris describes his ramblings and illicit entries into a succession of dilapidated yet beautiful old country houses during the late 60's and 70's during what must be the most concentrated period of country house destruction of all time. The atmosphere he manages to generate makes it seem as if one is witnessing the scene at first hand, and leave one with a feeling of great sadness and anger. I challenge any lover of our architecural heritage to be unmoved by this book. The odd swipes at Pevsner are a human, and amusing byline.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Not just a joy to read for architecture buffs but evokes a time in British soceity, Post II War when a young man could spend Summer cycling around country lanes, sleeping in hay barns and having breakfast at the farmers table, searching for that elusive glimpse of a Adams country seat at the end of a bramble tangled drive. Extraordinary tales of spending the night in a deserted mansion or finding the Miessen china still stored in a dust covered sideboard or being told to leave the front door key under the bins of a house filled with priceless art works.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Chris
Format:Hardcover
Sadly I've only managed to see a library copy of this lovely book - Now out of print of course, and why? ... However, it is a beautifully written personal 'journey of discovery' of the sad decline and post-WWII destruction of so many historic country houses. Written from the perspective of an earlier time when wandering around the countryside in search of British Heritage was more innocent and less fraught with tedious and paranoid security issues - How refreshing it is to remember with nostalgia that better part of post-WWII decades, but also sad to think that not enough was done to save some of these houses when the country was on the verge of bankruptcy ... Not really so very different from now in that respect, but let's not let it happen again to those houses we do have left, eh? The author did his bit to save our History, and this book is written with an infectious passion. My only criticism would be the printed quality of the images which could be better - In the next, overdue edition perhaps?! Some line drawings and woodcuts too would be even better ...
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- Books > Art, Architecture & Photography > Architecture > Types of Architecture > Residential Buildings > Palaces, Chateaux & Country Houses
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