Dear Fellow Book Lovers,
As Daniela Uslan, I’m thrilled to recommend “Trinity College: The Architectural Secrets of the World’s Finest Library.” This masterpiece unveils the hidden wonders of Dublin’s literary gem.
Did you know:
• The Long Room houses over 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books
• The library’s foundation dates back to 1592
• It’s home to the famous Book of Kells
The book explores:
1. Gothic and Classical architectural elements
2. Evolution of the library’s design over centuries
3. Innovative preservation techniques
For architecture enthusiasts and bibliophiles alike, this volume offers:
• Stunning photography
• Expert insights from leading historians
• Detailed floor plans and cross-sections
Discover more about Trinity College Library’s rich history here: Trinity College Old Library
Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the secrets of one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. It’s a must-have for any book collector or architecture aficionado..
It is known in Irish as Leabharlann Choláiste na Tríonóide, and it is a true cultural spectacle for fans of reading and architecture (and more): the Trinity College Dublin Library is one of the most famous attractions, considering that we are in the oldest university in Ireland. Besides being the largest library in the country, it houses millions of books.There is an almost rarefied air here, and it is one of the “must-see” stops for those passing through Dublin. We take you on a discovery of its architectural secrets.
The history of Trinity College Dublin Library.
Trinity College was founded in 1592 at the behest of Elizabeth I: the history of the Library, however, began precisely when Henry Jones, an Anglican bishop who had studied at Trinity College graduating with a degree in humanities, he donated the Book of Kells, the most famous manuscript, in 1661.
Also James Ussher, archbishop of Armagh – works include Veterum Epistolarum Hibernicarum Sylloge and Brittanicarum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates – left his valuable collection, with thousands of books and manuscripts. His works were later published by the Library in 24 volumes. Almost 150 years later, in 1801, the Trinity College Library was granted legal deposit rights: up to that time, it was the only Library in Ireland to have these rights for the United Kingdom. Thus began its history, with donations: today it is one of the most famous libraries in the world.
The architecture of the Trinity College Dublin Library.
To understand the secrets of the architectural style of the Library of Trinity College Dublin, we need to take a step back: first of all, there are several buildings that comprise it. The oldest building, which is known as the Old Library, was built beginning in 1712 by Thomas Burgh, and is considered a true architectural masterpiece.
It took 20 years to complete, considering that it houses old books, special collections, manuscripts and archives inside. Then there is the Berkeley/Lecky/Ussher Libraries complex., which encompasses the Berkeley Library (reference point for the Irish architectural modernism), the Lecky Library, and the Ussher Library. More generally, Trinity College boasts an impressive architectural style, sure, but the exteriors are no less impressive, including historic buildings, sculptures, and architectural masterpieces. Famous authors who have studied here include Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett.
The architectural character of Trinity College is unique: it features the largest group of monumental buildings in the 18th century: although not much is known about the first buildings that arose in Trinity College, we do know that granite and Portland stone was used, with clear classical influences. Of course, this building is the result of all the stylistic influences of the past, with different approaches including radical, conventional, and brilliant. The three-story Library features a hipped slate roof, mansard roofs at the end bays, ashlar granite walls and gray sandstone with granite bands.
The Long Hall
The Long Hall – Long Room in English – is as spectacular as a lover of literature can be privileged to observe in person. Authentic treasures are kept here-one case in point is the Book of Kells mentioned earlier-and the room is adorned with prestigious furnishings, refined, as well as by marble busts. A further detail not to be missed is the more ancient Irish harp made of willow wood and brass strings that is always present in the hallway. Undoubtedly, it is a magical place, not least because of the disproportionate number of books that can be observed-more than two hundred thousand – and the side windows are the only source of light. The roof of the Long Hall was raised in 1980 for reasons of space. In contrast, for the marble statues we mentioned earlier, many busts represent important thinkers and authors. Starting in the 1840s, several were commissioned. Of course, there is also a bust for Shakespeare, Demosthenes, and Cicero.
The Trinity College Dublin style is very similar to the Oxford and Cambridge Universities: in fact, it was modeled on the same stylistic figure. The vaulted chamber is about 65 meters long: books are housed in a library made with oak beams dark, the quality of which is naturally guaranteed by the craftsmanship of top experts. Entering the Long Room is a sensory experience: not only the eyes will be amazed at such a marvel, but also the sense of smell, as the scent of old books is intoxicating. Admission to the library is free, and art exhibitions, workshops, lectures or even poetry readings are held here annually.
Book of Kells
The Book of Kells is kept in a dark room, where it is constantly monitored for humidity levels to prevent it from deteriorating. We add that it is not possible to take photos, but it is one of those moments that will be hard to forget because of the striking beauty.
The story is told by the Irish themselves, as the Book of Kells is a genuine treasure. “Visitors will follow the extraordinary and difficult journey of the manuscript. Monks to escape from Viking invasions took it from Iona Abbey, an island in the Hebrides in Scotland, across the Irish Sea to Kells, County Meath, where it was kept for much of the Middle Ages and then transferred to Dublin. History, adventures and 1,200 years of Irish life and culture will pass before the eyes giving unique suggestions and emotions.”
How to visit the Library of Trinity College Dublin
The experience of visiting the Library of Trinity College Dublin is undoubtedly enriching: the Book of Kells is on display in a room in the Old Library, on the second floor is the Long Room, and, once you leave the grounds, there are additional pavilions waiting for visitors and where, of course, the collections of numerous authors are kept. Even meetings with some of the authors are also planned: we recommend reading the information on the website before going there to experience a moment that is more unique than rare.
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