Re: Mansions and Such


26 Aug 1995 19:37:03 -0500

> [How do I get realistic information about gothic mansions?
> maybe a floor plan?]

You don't say whether you've asked the reference librarian at your
local public library. Try that. If there is a local historical
society, you might call them. Also, if there is a college or
university in your town, the library there might help you. You can
also ask the architecture department. I don't know how things work in
Canada, but in USA most college libraries can draw on resources of all
libraries in the country.

You might ask the various librarians about English manor houses. If
you need a period, try 18th and 19th centuries. Finally, you might
mention Wilkie Collins, who was an author of classic Gothic horror
fiction---there might be some biography or other that would help.

If you're intersted in a floor plan for a medieval abbey, you might
try to get a copy of ``The plan of Saint Gall in brief.'' I think
it's out of print.

Let us know how you make out.

-- 
        ``They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
          safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.'' --- B. Franklin
Norman Ramsey                 I support the Phil Zimmermann Legal Defense Fund.
nr@cs.purdue.edu             (zldf@clark.net  http://www.netresponse.com/zldf)