Vol. 1 is a calendar of twenty-two volumes of the collection of state papers, 1628-1660, formed by Dr. John Nalson, canon of Ely; v.3-10 are calendars of the Harley manuscripts, mainly private and official papers and letters of Robert Harley, 1st earl of Oxford; v. 7 is a calendar of the letters written from 1710 to 1720 to Edward Harley, 2d earl of Oxford, by Dr. William Stratford, canon of Christ's Church, Oxford.

Beginning with new evidence that cites the presence of books in Roman villas and concluding with present day vicissitudes of collecting, this generously illustrated book presents a complete survey of British and Irish country house libraries. Replete with engaging anecdotes about owners and librarians, the book features fascinating information on acquisition bordering on obsession, the process of designing library architecture, and the care (and neglect) of collections. The author also disputes the notion that these libraries were merely for show, arguing that many of them were profoundly scholarly, assembled with meticulous care, and frequently used for intellectual pursuits. For those who love books and the libraries in which they are collected and stored, The Country House Library is an essential volume to own.