Like most modern basics, the bookcase evolved out of necessity. When book publishing began to grow as an industry, wealthy and religious households bought volumes in larger numbers, presenting the problem of proper storage. Because of the reverential nature of religious and scientific texts, the bulk of what was published early on, purchasers wanted to find a way to store their tomes so as to prevent decay, rotting and waste. An initial solution was to store books in kitchen cupboard shelves. Doors were discarded in short order; owning books, especially enough to need shelving, was a symbol of economic status, and doors prevented the volumes from being properly displayed. This was the beginning of the modern bookcase.
Some of the oldest bookcases of note are located at the library of Oxford University in England. Installed at the very end of the sixteenth century, the cases are made of solid wood and constructed in the simplest, most unadorned way.
Antique bookcases can be made of wood, plaster, iron or bronze, though wood is the most common medium. Styles can range from austere to ornate depending on the country, era and manufacturer. When shopping for an antique bookcase, its important to do research before hand, so that you know exactly what kind of bookcase you want to purchase. Because the collection of books is a universal activity, antique bookcases come from all over the world, which means that the material and style of these bookcases can vary greatly. Some of the styles that are easiest to find are oriental, Georgian and revolving.
Antique bookcases can lend a sense of charm, sophistication or glamor to your home, depending on the style of your decor and the type of case purchased. To that end, you should keep a few elements in mind when shopping. First, keep in mind the size and scale of your room. A small room with a low ceiling is probably best suited by lower, English style book shelves while a larger space with vaulted ceilings would easily accommodate the taller, more ornate French style bookcases. Mind the space you have available in your room and take into account the kinds of books you'll be storing in the antique bookcase. Avoid glass shelved bookcases if you'll be storing heavy volumes, but for displaying dainty figurines or light weight objects of a delicate nature, stay away from bulkier wood shelving. As with any antique purchase, be sure the manufactures mark is visible at the bottom or back of the piece, and purchase from a reputable dealer to avoid counterfeits.
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