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morgs777's review against another edition
4.0
I have a theory that I did not have a past life pre-1600 because I just do not care for history before that time (coming from your local history major friend).
The first 2/3 of this book I’d say is pre modern history. It is very academic, but it is good.
The library is such a special, treasured place. It’s been through a lot! My heart was both tested and filled reading this. The things librarians have done for the collective us and the literal us!
Recommended for history buffs and library lovers.
The first 2/3 of this book I’d say is pre modern history. It is very academic, but it is good.
The library is such a special, treasured place. It’s been through a lot! My heart was both tested and filled reading this. The things librarians have done for the collective us and the literal us!
Recommended for history buffs and library lovers.
helena_chris's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
3.5
While I loved reading this book, it has its ups and downs. While it starts off very interesting, the middle part drags on about the 16th and 17th centuries especially. Just out of curiosity, I googled the writers and it didn't come as a surprise that one of them specialized in this period of time. However, especially as it picked back up at the history during the world wars the reading became very interesting again.
All in all, I did enjoy it but I would be hesitant to recommend it to someone looking to read purely for pleasure.
All in all, I did enjoy it but I would be hesitant to recommend it to someone looking to read purely for pleasure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Fire/Fire injury, and War
Minor: Genocide, Colonisation, and Classism
jakobitz's review against another edition
4.0
An in-depth look at the history of libraries, book collecting, and more broadly books. An engaging read for any bibliophile, this historical work covers much ground and provides interesting insight into the evolution of the library. I would have enjoyed a more extensive look at the state and struggles of present day libraries in light of the excellent historical context just provided, but alas, this work is more of a traditional historical text, and offers scant insight or analysis of libraries in more recent years, let alone present day. Well written, interesting, but perhaps a bit long in places (depending upon your interest in the subject), The Library is a good primer for anyone interested in the history and fragility of the Library.
phibi's review against another edition
My dad accidentally stole my copy when he was helping me move and I can't find it. Would love to finish it when I can.