The Library of Congress: The Art and Architecture of the Thomas Jefferson Building

John Y. Cole, John Young Cole, Henry Hope Reed, Herbert Small

Norton, 1997 - Architecture - 320 pages

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.

About the author

John Y. Cole is a librarian, historian, and director of The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.


Henry Hope Reed is founder and president of Classical America and is the author of numerous books, including The Golden City and The New York Public Library. He lives in New York City.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Library of Congress: The Art and Architecture of the Thomas Jefferson Building
• Editors: John Y. Cole, John Young Cole, Henry Hope Reed, Herbert Small
• Photographs by: Anne Day
• Illustrated by: Anne Day
• Contributors: Pierce Rice, Daniel J. Boorstin, Richard Murray, Brendan Gill, Thomas P. Somma, Barbara Wolanin, Arthur Ross, James H. Billington
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Norton, 1997
• ISBN: 0393045633, 9780393045635
• Length: 320 pages
• Subjects: Architecture / Buildings / Public, Commercial & Industrial; Architecture / History / General