The Library of Congress
Subtitle: the art and architecture of the Thomas Jefferson Building
By: edited by John Y. Cole and Henry Hope Reed ; with essays by John Y. Cole ... [et al.] ; preface by Arthur Ross ; foreword by James H. Billington ; introductions by Daniel Boorstin and Brendan Gill ; principal photography by Anne Day.
Contributors: Cole, John Young, 1940-; Reed, Henry Hope.; Small, Herbert.
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: Norton
Published: 1997
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 320
Subjects: Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building (Washington, D.C.); Library architecture -- Washington (D.C.); Library decoration -- Washington (D.C.); National libraries -- Washington (D.C.); Washington (D.C.) -- Buildings, structures, etc
Description: Arguably the most beautifully decorated building in the United States, the Library of Congress building (now known as the Jefferson Building) reached its 100th anniversary in 1997 after an eighty million dollar restoration that returned it to its original state.

At the turn of the century, Herbert Small, a newspaperman, wrote a guide to the building and its decoration. His text, edited by Henry Hope Reed, is reproduced here. It is preceded by introductory essays by historian and Librarian of Congress Emeritus Daniel J. Boorstin and noted writer Brendan Gill. The planning and construction of the building are detailed in John Y.

Cole's essay, followed by an essay on the building as a work of art by Pierce Rice, and discussions of the decorations, paintings, and sculptures by Henry Hope Reed, Richard Murray, and Thomas P. Somma. The volume concludes with a photo essay on the restoration by Barbara Wolanin; a color "schema" of the building; a glossary of architectural and decorative terms; and a biographical dictionary of all the artists, architects, and designers who worked on the building.

Throughout, noted photographer Anne Day's color images enhance this splendid book.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 304-305) and index.
"In association with the Library of Congress."
This volume, based on the 2nd rev. ed. of Herbert Small's "Handbook of the new Library of Congress in Washington," is complemented and enhanced by essays, rev. and expanded appendices, and new photographs and color plates.