Chatsworth: The House
by Dowager Duchess of Devonshire
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Book Summary Information
Author: Dowager Duchess of DevonshirePhotographer: Simon Upton
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002
ISBN: 0711216754
Number of pages: 240
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Book Reviews of Chatsworth: The House
Book Review: One of the most perfect 'Country House' books ever
Summary: 5 Stars
There is no shortage of books on English country houses, but books dedicated in their totality to one single house are surprisingly rare (and those that do exist do not necessarily cover the most obvious houses - there are books on Tyntesfield, Clouds, and Waddesdon Manor, but none on Blenheim Palace, Wilton House or Castle Howard. A book on Holkham Hall is in the making, though). Some books that discuss a greater number of houses are quite excellent (e.g., Great Houses of England and Wales by Hugh Montgomery-Massingbird), but it is hard not to feel shortchanged when a house as rich as Chatsworth is delt with in just a handful of pages. Here is the better alternative. I have collected a great many books on english country house history over the years, but this is certainly one of the most beautiful and satisfying of them all. Everything about it is right.
Chatsworth was already a tourist magnet in Jane Austen's days, and very much remains so today. Sequestered in its gorgeous green valley, it is the quintessential 'great house' in the quintessential English landscape. This book must be the next best thing to an actual visit; in fact, in some ways it may be better, for how many visitors enjoy the pleasure of being shown around by the Duchess of Devonshire herself? And a pleasure it is. The texts are immediately involving, due to their well-balanced mix of (art)history, anecdote, wit and personal recollections and reflections. Family, staff, and visitors all feature in the biography of a place that is very much alive, even though its maintenance poses daunting challenges. Never pompous, the lively, at times delightfully tongue-in-cheek style of the Duchess's writing betrays that she stems from a literary family (she is the sister of Nancy Mitford). Her undisguised great love of the place adds yet more charm.
The other glory, of course, is Simon Upton's photography, which is simply dazzling. All rooms of interest, both in the public route and the private appartments of the Devonshires, are illustrated in large, full colour images, as well as many decorative details, paintings, and several 'downstairs' spaces. In all, they provide fascinating insight into the workings and riches of a very large house like this one. Be aware, though, that the book details the interior only. For views of the house and the gardens you will have to get the equally alluring 'The Gardens at Chatsworth' by the same author (and as I gather, a book about the estate as a whole is forthcoming, so Chatsworthites can rejoice....).
Summary of Chatsworth: The House
Chatsworth is one of England's ten most visited great houses. In this tour of the house, Deborah the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire takes the reader into the private as well as the public rooms, and goes behind the scenes to explain the management of the household and the work of the staff needed to keep it going.
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