Massimo Listri Offers a Look Inside the World’s Most Beautiful Libraries

For centuries, libraries have existed as unrivaled realms of discovery. It’s fitting, then, that their architecture should follow suit. Such is the premise for The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries (TASCHEN), a richly illustrated book by renowned photographer Massimo Listri. The 560-page tome offers an exclusive look inside 55 libraries across 16 countries, spanning medieval, classical, baroque, rococo, and 19th-century styles. Listri’s exquisitely detailed photographs capture the library’s unique atmosphere via design details such as spiral staircases, shelf-lined corridors, and barrel-vaulted ceilings. Featured libraries include the papal collections of the Vatican Apostolic Library, Trinity College Library, and the Laurentian Library in Florence. Browse a selection of the libraries below.