This title has been on my "maybe" shelf for years; the shelf serves for books I need to think about, need more information on, or books I'm only going to buy if I find them used and cheap. Living with Books met that last condition, as I'd heard it was a bit disappointing overall.

I'd heard correctly; it's a bit disappointing. The pictures are great - some really clever solutions and some just gorgeous libraries are included, but the text has less to do with books and libraries than it does about interior design and architectural theory, about which I have mostly derisive opinions.

I gave it an extra half-star though because it includes a few pages at the back with DIY instructions for making different types of bookcases, and I thought that was a nice touch. For that reason and the good pics, I'll hang on to my copy, but I'm awfully glad I found it used and cheap. ( )

Dated. Too much ugly, affected modern minimalism. A few very basic DIY bookshelf options at the back. ( )

Disappointing after AT HOME WITH BOOKS; this is more a photo book for decorators, not book lovers. It's less about storage or library design and more about how to decorate your house with books. ( )

A little bit better than the other with the same title, which was horrid, but not nearly as book friendly as "Decorating with Books." When there were good shelves to examine, the photos ignored them. Frustrating! Lots of silly uses of books as decor.

An Absolutely Fabulous Book! Many beautiful photos of great libraries. A must for all who aspire to having a home library. ( )