I’m currently in the process of writing A Court of Fire and Thorns, and I’ve reached Cliffrad village and the Amsholian library, which I’m basing on Radcliffe Camera in the Ashmolean library in Oxford.
It’s almost impossible to describe a beauty so striking, and a place that was my favorite during my studies. The year of my masters degree was so intense that sometimes I would go there just so stare up at the dome, because I couldn’t day dream anymore, and it was by far more beautiful than anything my imagination could come up with.
It’s also impossible to get in. Tours are always booked ahead and it’s not open to the public. But it is open to readers, if you apply ahead of time, come on the right hour when the office is open, bring the right ID (and do a couple flip flops).
And here it is.
Yes, I called in advance and sent all my paperwork and got my reader card, right before my ten year reunion!
And I took a video of what it looks like inside, to remember.
I hope you like it (scroll down to the bottom).
Radcliffe Camera in the sunrise (I couldn’t sleep that morning…)
Radcliffe Camera first floor:
Radcliffe Camera upstairs floor and spiral staircase:
