I hope this doesn't sound strange, but I am currently reading Trollope's
'Barchester Towers'. Early on there is a reference to the outgoing Prime
Minister, the Earl of ---- receiving a telegram at home 'in his inner
library'. Is this a concept which means anything to anyone, and if so, can
you give me any examples? It sounds to me like a small room, off the main
library. The former is a private retreat, the latter is the 'public'
library, where visitors would be met etc.
The Earl's character is briefly sketched in thus:'he was sitting easily in a
lounging chair, conning over a Newmarket list, and by his elbow on the table
wqas lying open an uncut French novel', again perhaps signifying that this
is a private chamber. An uncut French novel would not be appropriate for the
formal library. Just a thought!
Chris Baggs
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