100 Books from the Libraries of the National Trust

The National Trust looks after almost half a million books and manuscripts held in libraries across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This beautifully illustrated volume brings together a selection of 100 rare and fascinating examples spanning the 8th to the 21st centuries. 100 Books from the Libraries of the National Trust includes illuminated medieval manuscripts; the Trusts oldest atlas, with maps of the ancient world; a volume from Henry VIIIs library; a book inscribed in blood; an Arabic manuscript on horsemanship; a very early book on swimming; the largest volume of botanical drawings ever produced; marches by Joseph Haydn; a library of miniature childrens books; Dame Ellen Terrys annotated working copy of Shakespeares Macbeth; the first book ever printed in Antarctica; Virginia Woolfs handwritten manuscript for her novel Orlando; and John Lennons treasured childhood copy of Richmal Cromptons William the Gangster. Chosen by National Trust curators from collections at more than 160 properties, the featured books are arranged chronologically, each accompanied by beautiful photography and an illuminating, easytoread caption. The book concludes with a handy glossary of terms and a gazetteer of important National Trust libraries.