The Story of the Country House Audiobook By Clive Aslet cover art

The Story of the Country House

A History of Places and People

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The Story of the Country House

By: Clive Aslet
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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The fascinating story of the evolution of the country house in Britain, from its Roman precursors to the present.

The Story of the Country House is an authoritative and vivid account of the British country house, exploring how they have evolved with the changing political and economic landscape. Clive Aslet reveals the captivating stories behind individual houses, their architects, and occupants and paints a vivid picture of the wider context in which the country house in Britain flourished and subsequently fell into decline before enjoying a renaissance in the 21st century. The genesis, style, and purpose of architectural masterpieces such as Hardwick Hall, Hatfield House, and Chatsworth are explored, alongside the numerous country houses lost to war and economic decline. We also meet a cavalcade of characters, owners with all their dynastic obsessions and diverse sources of wealth, and architects such as Inigo Jones, Sir John Vanbrugh, Robert Adam, Sir John Soane, and A. W. N. Pugin who dazzled or in some cases outraged their contemporaries. The Story of the Country House takes a fresh look at this enduringly popular building type, exploring why it continues to hold such fascination for us today.

©2021 Clive Aslet (P)2021 Tantor Architecture Europe Great Britain House & Home British History
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Anyone who is interested in country house life and historical backgrounds about them and the people who used to own them will love this book! Takes you right up until Covid so it covers a lot of ground — but so interesting that time flies!

Fascinating to hear!

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explains the evolution of house styles and style in general in England with an engaging voice

if you love houses

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Very thorough overview of the country house from its medieval great hall to 2020 and the impact of Covid.
Some ppl complain about ‘it’s too architectural’ and yes, there’s large amounts dedicated to architecture and architects-but there’s a LOT of information about use/servants/politics/use/society etc.
Ppl that think it’s simply about architecture must not have read past the second chapter.

Very thorough

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Enjoyed the narrator and the stories. Wasn’t quite as much history of the houses as I would have liked.

Good but not quite great

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