As all book lovers know, a collection of books affords not only access to endless pleasure and knowledge, but also, when skilfully deployed around the home, the opportunity to create a multitude of decorative impressions, whether classically formal, strikingly colourful or apparently artless. In this beautifully illustrated guide - now published in paperback for the first time - the self-confessed bibliophile Leslie Geddes-Brown offers inspirational yet practical ideas about how to make the most of books in every room and forgotten nook of the house. In her introduction, Geddes-Brown emphasizes the versatility and lasting power of books, while subsequent chapters explore every conceivable option for storing and displaying them. 'Living with Books' shows how they can enhance the atmosphere of a home, making it a welcoming and memorable place. 'Working with Books' considers different ways of arranging essential reference books, from the library that is a paragon of order and logic to the seemingly chaotic piles of books an author might need constantly at their elbow or stacked about the floor. 'Designing for Books' explores stylish storage, shelving and lighting solutions, and provides tips on combining books with other objects to create effects that lift an interior out of the ordinary. Finally, 'Making the Most of Books' suggests ingenious ways in which to exploit to the full their enduringly irresistible appeal. From the dramatic impact of floor-to-ceiling shelves to the inviting ease of baskets of books by a cosy fireside; and from discreet shelves that blend into the background to a designer bookcase that becomes the focal point of a room, all the key aspects are considered. Lavishly illustrated throughout with photographs featuring homes from around the world and with an annotated directory of suppliers, this engaging guide will inspire all bibliophiles to get the best from their beloved books and transform any room into an alluring and magical place. AUTHOR: Leslie Geddes-Brown, former Deputy Editor of World of Interiors and Country Life magazines, was a leading writer on interior design, food and gardening. 160 colour illustrations

The artist Angie Lewin has a unique vision of the natural world. Her hugely popular prints depict in intricate detail the native flora of a variety of environments, from salt marsh and Highland loch to flower-strewn meadow and wild garden. Lewin finds beauty in each landscape, whatever the season, and is particularly inspired by plant forms: slender reeds, stately goatsbeard, spiky teasels and sculptural seed heads. Plants and Places presents over 70 of Lewin's beautifully crafted linocuts and wood engravings.The works are grouped according to habitat - such as coast, woodland and hedgerow, and garden - together with drawings, paintings and collages from Lewin's sketchbooks of grasses, seed pods, seaweed, shells and other objects that she has collected on her walks. In an engaging introduction, Leslie Geddes-Brown meets Lewin in her studio, discusses her artistic inspiration and her fascination with plants, and describes how she creates her prints.

As all book lovers know, a collection of books affords not only access to endless pleasure and knowledge, but also, when skilfully deployed around the home, the opportunity to create a myriad of different impressions. In this beautifully illustrated guide, self-confessed bibliophile Leslie Geddes-Brown offers inspirational solutions and practical tips on how to make the most of books in every room and forgotten nook of the house. From a working library that is a paragon of order and logic to the cosy informality of a den with books stacked in piles on the floor; from the dramatic impact of floor-to-ceiling shelves to the inviting ease of baskets of books by a fireside; and from discreet shelves that blend into the background to a designer bookcase that becomes the focal point of a room, all the key aspects are considered. A dazzling array of photographs shows how books can transform any room into an alluring and magical place.