$ 24.95
A British Country House Alphabet: A Historical & Pictorial Journey by Curt DiCamillo is a new series of three high-quality hardback volumes that will enchant seasoned country house visitors—and amaze people new to art and architecture—as they read about surprising snippets of history that occurred at, or because of, a country house in England, Scotland, or Wales.
The series uses the alphabet to frame the astonishing variety of material, with the first volume covering letters “A” through “H.” Each volume contains fascinating content and beautiful illustrations, presenting famous historical events or cultural innovations that are associated with specific British country houses. The engaging—and often humorous—text is the manifestation of Curt’s long-standing love of the British country house, which has served as a stage and backdrop to a host of beguiling stories. The crisp, zesty text is an exhilarating whistle stop tour—perfectly pitched for pleasurable sampling!
By Curt DiCamillo
Foreword by The Duke of Buccleuch
Introduction by Christopher Ridgway
7 x 10 hardcover, 134 pages, 149 illustrations
Published by American Ancestors in June 2024, Printed in Wales
The series of ABC Books is made possible by Nancy Clay and John W. Webster
Praise for A British Country House Alphabet
“. . . deliciously unpredictable”
—Malcolm Rogers, CBE, Former Director, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
“A British Country House Alphabet is a delight from start to finish—a wonderful mix of arcane country house lore, magnificent mansions, and fabulous stories. I can’t wait for Volume 2!”
—Adrian Tinniswood, OBE, FSA, author of sixteen books on social and architectural history
“This kaleidoscopic survey of the British country house is a treasure trove of delights. Every quirky and unexpected detail reveals a new perspective on the endlessly fascinating story of Britain’s greatest cultural legacy to the world. In Curt DiCamillo’s sparkling prose these houses have at last found their troubadour, gifting an authentic and original voice to their matchless glories.”
—Ben Cowell, OBE, Director General, Historic Houses Association, London
“Curt DiCamillo’s new volume, A British Country House Alphabet: A Historical & Pictorial Journey, is a delightful insight into the world of the British country house using a quirky, alphabetically arranged collection of stories about things, people, objects, and legends that emanate from the country house world–each richly illustrated and delivered with wit and wisdom. Everything is here, from the origins of the game of Badminton at the great house of that name, to the inspiration for Blandings Castle and the origin of the Bowler Hat–and these examples are just some of the “B” entries—there is much, much more besides. The collection is a sheer joy, and as you read through you feel not only the infectious enthusiasm of the author for country houses, but also his years of serious, concentrated research and investigation. A British Country House Alphabet will be enjoyed, both in its own right, and as a springboard to your travels.”
—Jeremy Musson, M Phil, FSA, author of English Country House Interiors and presenter of BBC2’s The Curious House Guest
