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The Country Houses of Sir John Vanbrugh: From the Archives of Country Life

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For those unfamiliar with the "From the Archives of Country Life ..." books, it is a tasteful series of fine architectural volumes that presents well composed black and white photos from articles originally appearing in the magazine of that name. Occasionally, as in the present volume, the archival material is supplemented by new color photography and current texts which do reference the former articles and commentary.

Vanbrugh's almost meteoric rise to fame rests on remarkably few commissions, but such were their scale and detail that it is easy to comprehend how fully they must have occupied his time. This book exclusively features his country estates. The fine selection of images range from full buildings in their park-like settings to close ups of carvings, moldings, ironwork and numerous other features, all combining to present a thorough picture of Vanbrugh's capabilities as an architect. The text is kept at a reasonable minimum, allowing the images to tell the splendid story without clutter.

This sumptuous and handsome volume perfectly complements the grandeur of two of Vanbrugh's most important houses, Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. It is a fine addition to the 'Country Life' Series.

Of course, any discussion of Vanbrugh begins and ends with his twin masterpieces; Blenheim and Castle Howard. Blenheim is the largest private house in Britain, it is steeped in history; starting with it's first owner Lord Marlborough, the British military Icon, this was a gift to him, given by the a most appreciative Queen Anne. This book gives due focus to Blenheim, but really it's best is saved for the specatcular Castle Howard outside of York, most know of this estate to end all estates from the miniseries and subsequent film Brideshead Revisited, both of which were obviously adapted for Evelyn Waugh's English literary classic. The images in this book are excellent and though as mentioned, Blenheim and Castle Howard get pride of place, this book is comprehensive and discusses and illustrates other works by Vanbrugh in the English country house venacular. If you have any interest in Vanbrugh or Castle Howard and Blenheim or great English country houses i general then I cannot conceive of you not being pleased with this book.