Praise
What the critics have to say about Adrian's books:
The Verneys: A True Story of Love, War and Madness in Seventeenth-Century England
Jonathan Cape/Riverhead (2007), 500pp.
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By Permission of Heaven:
The Story of the Great Fire of London
Pimlico (2004), 425pp.
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“A vivid, masterly study… enough to chill – or perhaps one should say heat up - the blood ”
Antonia Fraser
“Like some dynamic fire-sprite, Tinniswood leaps from rooftop to rooftop, section to section of his colourful tale; from war, politics, crown and populace to disaster and renewal…Deeply satisfying”
Observer
“Admirably researched and highly evocative… By Permission of Heaven is a fine history ”
Spectator
“More than just a gripping account of the Great Fire… With immense skill, Adrian Tinniswood uncovers the cross-currents of special interests that the disaster brought into play… [a] marvellously readable book”
Daily Mail
The Art Deco House: Avant-Garde Houses of the 1920s and 1930s
Mitchell Beazley (2005), 176pp.
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“ You really can’t go wrong with this fantastic book… it’s certainly a must-have for all Art Deco enthusiasts ”
Traditional Homes & Interiors
“ An essential reference for those interested in Art Deco”
Irish Homes
The Arts and Crafts House
Mitchell Beazley (2005), 192pp.
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“This authoritative book”
Metro London
“The perfect guide for those interested in the history of architecture or for anyone who may want to recreate the style in their own home”
Period Ideas
“An intelligent text filled with biographical detail on Morris and his peers, on the Movement itself, and on its enduring influence accmpanies stunning photographs… an elegant tribute”
The Good Book Guide
His Invention So Fertile:
A Life of Christopher Wren
Pimlico (2002), 480pp.
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“The most engaging non-fiction I’ve come across recently”
Jeremy Paxman, Observer
“Lively, knowledgeable, affectionate … A fine biography”
Jenny Uglow, Sunday
“ Powered by an engrossing passion for its subject … the scale and scope of [Wren’s] achievements are left standing clearer than ever”
Andrew Motion, Financial Times
“This lively sympathetic and hugely informative biography brings us closer to Wren than ever before.”
Frances Spalding, Independent
“Tinniswood's is the latest in a long line of books on this extraordinary man and his enduring works. It will hold its place among them”
New York Times
The Polite Tourist: Country House Visiting in the Age of Jane Austen
The National Trust/Abrams (1998), 216pp.
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“Entertaining and scholarly… [an] elegant tour”
New York Times
“An excellently researched explanation of the rise in popularity of the country house”
Victorian Society
Visions of Power: Architecture and Ambition from Ancient Rome to Modern Paris
Mitchell Beazley/Stewart Tabori & Chan (1998), 192pp.
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“An enjoyable book… Tinniswood has been so clever”
Front Row, BBC Radio 4
“This compelling book… thoroughly readable and full of fascinating insights”
Evening Echo
“An intriguing examination of the link between people, power and architecture… the scope of the book is impressive… fascinatingly informative”
Birmingham Post
Life in the English Country Cottage
Weidenfeld & Nicolson (1995, softcover edition 1997), 216pp.
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“Adrian Tinniswood’s Life in the English Country Cottage is a worthy homage… Lavishly presented and imaginatively researched, it explores the reality of life behind those idyllic exteriors…”
The Independent
“Tinniswood manages to make these people real”
The Sunday Times
Country Houses from the Air
Weidenfeld & Nicolson (1994, softcover edition 1997), 160pp.
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“A fascinating perspective on 40 of England’s most awe-inspiring and beautiful mansions, castles and palaces… a fascinating insight into the colourful characters instrumental in the design and history of these impressive old houses”
Country Themes
Historic Houses Handbook
The National Trust (1993), 207pp.
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“The Historic Houses Handbook provides details about the architecture, history, and contents of the house, including those one can visit by appointment only”
Bookseller
Historic Houses of the National Trust
The National Trust/Abrams (1991), 320pp.
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“A magnificent volume”
Sunday Independent
“Thoroughly readable and informative”
Reference Reviews
“Of interest to anyone planning a trip to the British Isles”
Morning Star, Fort Worth
“A breathtaking record of 200 classic buildings”
Boston Globe
