Lecture on Bill Bryson's "At Home: Chapters 12 and 13"

Overview

Thomas Jefferson's Influence
- Jefferson as a notable architect and bibliophile.
- Jefferson owned over 10,000 books.
Personal Connection to Books
- Despite moving often, Tyler maintains a large book collection.
- Interests in diverse topics like insects, polar exploration, and furniture.
- Books are tied to Tyler's education and career.
Book Collecting
- Frequent visits to used bookstores.
- Support for brick-and-mortar bookstores.
Future of Books
- Concerns about the transition to e-readers.
- Preference for physical books' tangible qualities.

Field Trip to London and Bath
- Visited cultural sites including Beckford's Tower.
- Beckford's Tower as a study retreat and art/book collection display.
Cemeteries as Attractive Spaces
- Initial focus on Lansdown Cemetery.
- Bryson connects cemetery design to domestic gardening trends.
- Interest in gravestone research in Newport, Rhode Island.
Understanding Cemeteries
- Cemeteries make private life public.
- Serve as spaces for studying material culture.
- Opportunities for public engagement and conservation.
Future Visits
- Plans to study Lansdown Cemetery beyond its aesthetic appeal.
- Critical engagement with historical themes in cemeteries.

The chapters explore the historical and cultural significance of gardens and private spaces like the Plum Room.
Both Tyler and Nicole link their personal experiences and academic interests with the themes discussed in Bryson's book.
Cemeteries provide a rich field for study, offering insights into cultural practices, design, and history.
The dialogue between physical and digital media is ongoing, particularly in the context of book collecting and reading preferences.