12/06/2025
I'm thrilled to announce the release of my new book, "Oxford Libraries Architecture", available to pre-order and in the shops from 26th June, 2025!
Almost 3 years ago, the renowned architectural historian Geoffrey Tyack and I were specially commissioned by The Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford to create content for a new book that showcases Oxford's world-class libraries.
✨🎓📚🏛📚🎓✨
Few other cities boast such a wealth of libraries in so concentrated a space. Designed by renowned architects including Sir Christopher Wren, Nicholas Hawksmoor, Sir Edwin Lutyens and Arne Jacobsen, these buildings represent a treasure trove of architectural virtuosity spanning 800 years, all within the compact heart of Oxford.
From the medieval splendour of Merton College and the Bodleian Old Library to the bold designs of twenty-first century libraries such as Zaha Hadid’s new library for St Antony’s Middle East Centre and the transformation of Oxford Brookes with the construction of the John Henry Brookes building.
This beautifully illustrated anthology showcases over fifty stunning University libraries, from medieval wooden stalls to modern stainless steel and glass structures, this book is a visual journey through history and design.
What's Inside?
- Over 50 iconic libraries
- 800+ years of architectural styles
- Exquisite, specially commissioned photography
- Insights into the cultural & historical significance of these buildings
Join us for the book launch event: https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/.../oxford-libraries...
Purchase your copy here: https://bodleianshop.co.uk/.../oxford-libraries-architecture
Explore more pictures from the book on my website: www.danpaton.net
Read the recent Oxford Mail article: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/.../25207442.new-book.../...
A special thank you to Geoffrey Tyack and everyone who helped support this project, including the countless patient librarians and students who had to put up with me arranging everything around them while they worked, and to all at the Bodleian Libraries Publishing team - especially Leanda Shrimpton, Dot Little, Janet Phillips and Samuel Fanous. 🙌
I can't wait for the launch, this journey has been a long one and with varied hurdles along the way. You never know at the beginning of a massive project like this how it will end up...there is serendipity in the process, and to finally see this book turn out to be so beautiful is a real triumph and a tribute to so many gifted people's hard work! 🙏🙏🙏
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