Entry posted by caliwag
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OK, a slightly different blog format...suggestion from aregular member...
I am moved to recommend a book by Bill Bryson, who seems to shoot from the hip as it were to inspiring effect! In fact I pick up everything he's written in the local charity shop now. Sorry Bill if you're reading this, (which is extremely unlikely I know) I did by 'At Home...a short history of private life' at full hardback price, and worth every penny!
The Book (reviewed in Guardian Weekend with a small excerpt), is a must, if only because it's a wonderful ramble through the history of how we have lived and survived: it's all loosely based around his 19th century rectory in Norfolk. He's adopted England, or exchanged his Stateside upbringing, in favour of various spots around the UK. There are many digressions and meanderings from extravagant country piles and the Crystal Palace to public health improvement, but it is very entertaining: worth £2.50 from abebooks or less in your local charity shop, indeed for the bibliography alone.
Basically Mr B uses each room of the house and its activities, as a vehicle for history, discussion and development. I guess a Victorian rectory is a good a device as any.
Essential reading for all architecture students and anyone who lives in a house and who is remotely curious about how we have arrived at 600 square feet dwellings without any storage or even a window in the kitchen.
Right! Look out for all Bryson Books, covering the continents, and especially the development of our living habits, spaces and quirks of home life. Bill Bryson 'At Home...A short History of Private Life'...possibly to be compared fashion-wise with early Country Life yearbooks and the like.
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