The Library: A Fragile History

This was a present so can’t comment.

I wish there was more!

This is a detailed account of the development of not just the library, but also books and book-sellers – crucial connections to any library. And as for books, we are treated to the history of paper – from stone to papyrus, to parchment, and the modern paper. Libraries were small and private when books were few and voluminous. In the era before printing, we learn about scribes, and how the copy and edit books. We are left to wonder what how some books might have differed substantially from copy to copy. We learn how collecting books become a rich man’s past-time and badge of honour. We learn about cheats and noble people who bequeath large collections to the most famous libraries of the world. And we are taken to the world today where technology has replaced the paper. The authors end with this passage: ‘The sheer tangibility of the book is a key element of its success, and its versatility: as manual, totem, encyclopaedia and source of entertainment. And the library, as location and concept, has shared this mutability.’

A comprehensive, wide-ranging and meticulously researched history of libraries, from their very beginnings to today, and in all their various manifestations. And what a rich history libraries have had – and continue to have, thankfully. Although in many ways this is a scholarly and academic work, it remains on the whole readable and accessible, with many anecdotes to leaven what is, it must be admitted, some occasionally dry narrative. Interested – indeed at times fascinated – though I was I did find myself (dare I admit it?) a little bored on occasion. Mea culpa, perhaps. There’s an enormous amount of information to take in so a slow and steady approach is recommended, but overall this is an important and valuable book that deserves a wide readership – and is pretty much a must read for anyone who loves books and libraries.

We seem to be living through a golden age of books on books, and this may be the best yet. The authors take you on an engaging journey, packed with incident and intrigue, from ancient Alexandria, to present-day Silicon Valley. This book really makes you think deeply about an institution, which many of us hold dear, but so often take for granted. This is indeed, the perfect book for bibliophiles, but also, a perfect book for anyone interested in the past.

A wonderful journey through the history of the library, with fascinating twists and turns. What is commonly thought of as a 'library' has changed and adapted over the centuries to technological and political events, so there is nothing new under the sun! Really makes one think about the purpose of a library and how it can best be preserved for the the future. My only real issue is the last section which brings one up to date - a bit small compared to the rest, and a number of interesting developments such as e-books are glossed over and assumed just to be a passing phase - no mention either of how the internet has democratised the experiences of reading or is of huge value to book collectors like myself - Im thinking of Goodreads (which would be an interesting example as bought out by Am****) and cataloguing systems such as Librarything - however these are minor irks probably caused by me not wanting the book to finish. A great addition to my library.

Bought as a gift for a friend but I am going to buy one for myself…

A fine, detailed story of an institution and store of knowledge over the centuries.