“Dr. Johnson’s Doorknob and Other Significant Parts of Great Men’s Houses” by Liz Workman (Rizzoli International Publications, $25): Washington Irving’s desk, Sir Winston Churchill’s banisters and Charles Darwin’s bookshelves are among the many household items shown in close-up detail. A peek at Thomas Jefferson’s books may well shed some light on his intellect and interest; a look at Samuel Morse’s skirting board, less so but still interesting. We get a look at what these men saw in their day-to-day lives and some items that added style to their homes: mirrors, doorknobs, crockery, beds and chairs are among the items shown in this book.
- PAM ROBINSON