Have you ever wondered about the place where some of the most famous men wrote some legendary words or made life-changing indelible decisions that changed global history forever? Just think about it. What would be the furniture of the rooms? Which books will be decorated on the shelves of these famous men’s libraries? It sounds so intriguing, right?  

Sometimes, peeking into history gives us an idea of the people who made it. Sometimes, looking into the rooms of such people provides us with an idea of the room of their mind. So, if you’re interested in peeking into the libraries and rooms of some famous personalities (don’t worry, no trespassing laws are applicable!), this article is going to fulfil your wish. 

Below is the list of some of the famous men who made history as we see it today and a description of their rooms. 

A Peek Into Famous Men’s Libraries

Here is a list of famous men's libraries and rooms:

1. William Randolph Hearst’s Library & Study

William Randolph Hearst was a renowned American businessman, politician, and newspaper publisher who developed the largest newspaper chain, Hearst Communications. 

His study, Casa Grande or Hearst Castle, was built in San Simeon, California. It consists of 56 bedrooms, 19 sitting rooms, 127 acres of garden, 61 bathrooms, not to mention the tennis courts, movie theatre, swimming pools and the world’s largest private zoo. 

Hearst lived on the third floor of the castle in the Gothic Suite. The library, which is stationed on this floor, boasts of possessing 4000 books, including 150 vases from ancient Greece. In addition to this library, Hearsts’ Gothic Suite itself consists of 3000 additional books. This room was a private study and his office from where Hearst controlled and managed his media empire. It was also an executive boardroom for holding various negotiations with influential people. 

2. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s study

Now, which literary fanatic is not acquainted with the century’ great Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle? A prolific British writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, sketched the iconic character of Sherlock Holmes that is still etched in the mind of their contemporaries. Want to the place where he was inspired with this terrific idea?

The creator of Holmes lived in his Windlesham home, situated on the outskirts of Crowborough in East Sussex, for almost 20 years. All his life, Doyle has preferred to write in the study on the first floor of his home wherein he was able to write several Sherlock Holmes works, such as ‘The Poison Belt’, etc. 

Did you know that there is a Sherlock Holmes’ study as well? Although Holmes is a fictional character, his fans have not refrained from creating his study and making the character alive. Well, that’s what literature does to you, right? It turns fiction into reality. 

3. Winston Churchill’s study

One of the most well-known prime ministers in the United Kingdom from 1940-1945, during the second world war, many have failed to acknowledge his literary contributions. Believe it or not, Winston Churchill’s primary income, probably his only income out of the office, was facilitated from his writings. 

Hundreds of articles and 50 books; all of them were written in his study at Chartwell Manor, which was his primary residence for almost forty years. His walls were covered with paintings of Napoleon, his wife, Lord Nelson and Chartwells picturesque gardens. His study was equivalent to a sanctuary to which he can always return, reflect and write his thoughts. 

4. Rudyard Kipling’s study

You might know Rudyard Kipling from one of his most famous works, ‘If’. But Kipling, apart from being a prominent writer, was also a journalist and novelist. 

And guess what? His legendary words were written in the 17th century Bateman’s House in Sussex, which took Kipling by surprise at first glance. It was in this House that Kipling penned the poem, ‘if’.

5. George Washington’s library

One of the United States founding fathers, George Washington’s study/library was built during the Revolutionary War to extend his home. When he was tired in 1783, he returned to Mount Vermont. So, he decided to build a place to study and entertain his family, friends, and acquaintances. When he was not entertaining his social circles, he enjoyed his solitude hiding in the study. During this period, no one was allowed to enter his room without his invitation.  

The study/library possessed almost 900 books where he could peacefully read one of them, manage his estate, journal and even pen letters. If all these activities were not enough, he used the study for bathing and dressing as well. It was connected to his master bedroom where he would wake up 4-5 early in the morning and have breakfast. Perhaps, Churchill’s libraries are one of the best famous personalities libraries 2021

6. Roald Dahl’s library/ writing hut

Also, a major British novelist, poet, screenwriter, wartime fighter pilot and short story writer, Roald Dahl’s books have sold more than 300 million copies all over the globe. When the prominent novelist shifted to Great Missenden In 1965, he built a minuscule writing hut where he used to continue writing. 

Unlike what you’d expect an author’s writing space to be, Dahl’s writing hut was extremely unkempt with dark tones and bare bones. It seems that his tastes were Gothic. Everyone except who got Dahl’s permission was invited to the hut, even if it was to clean it. 

These are some of the most beautiful famous men’s libraries that can certainly hook the attention of the onlookers, no matter what. These are the places that are held extremely dear to these personalities, and they hold huge historical significance in terms of output. 

So, cherish your room in which you enjoy your solitude. Who knows, maybe someday after decades, people are also excited to see your room for your contribution to the world?

Recommended reading: The Power Of Reading Out Loud: 4 Loud Reading Benefits Explained