The Architecture of Western Libraries, from the Minoan era to Michelangelo deals with the architectural evolution of the spaces in which written and graphic material was kept, from the Minoan times to the Italian Renaissance (ca. 1600 BCE- 1600 CE). Nowadays these rooms are known as "libraries"; however, the library acquired its present form through a turbulent journey. The five chapters that comprise the book cover the Greek world, the Roman world, the Byzantine period, the Western Middle Ages, and the Renaissance, respectively.

Author K. Sp. Staikos examines in detail the special features of the chambers used to store books in public, private, monastic and palace libraries. The main aim of this study is to familiarize the wider public with the distinctive architectural traits of the library, as well as with the people who contributed to the preservation of the heritage of written documents. In addition, special mention is made of the political and religious circumstances that affected the architectural form of libraries throughout ages and cultures.

Illustrated throughout in black & white and color. Translation by Timothy Cullen, Alexandra Doumas, Nikos Koutras, and Katerina Spathi.