Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
informative
slow-paced
This is a fascinating read for anyone who loves books and bookshops but each chapter does jump around from anecdote to fact and back again. So if you are after an in-depth history then this book isn't for you, but if you want a jumping off point for further reading/research then this definitely does that job.
The author also gives his insights into the reading habits of people covering things like why some people only like pristine books, whilst others like well-thumbed copies; the important of comfort reads and many other topics. The book also covers Paris, Vienna and New York's importance in the history of books. In summary - a very enjoyable read!
The author also gives his insights into the reading habits of people covering things like why some people only like pristine books, whilst others like well-thumbed copies; the important of comfort reads and many other topics. The book also covers Paris, Vienna and New York's importance in the history of books. In summary - a very enjoyable read!
challenging
funny
informative
slow-paced
Un saggio incredibile che accompagna in un viaggio tra gli scaffali delle librerie di tutto il mondo.
Martin Latham ha saputo uscire dagli schemi standardizzati della descrizione dell'oggetto-libro e unire la sua esperienza di libraio con la storia del libro.
Racconta con precisione la storia più nascosta del libro, e sorprende la scrittura leggera e fresca in un libro classificato come "saggio".
Martin Latham ha saputo uscire dagli schemi standardizzati della descrizione dell'oggetto-libro e unire la sua esperienza di libraio con la storia del libro.
Racconta con precisione la storia più nascosta del libro, e sorprende la scrittura leggera e fresca in un libro classificato come "saggio".
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I love books about books, and books about stories - all of my favourite books are essentially these two categories. So I'm not shocked that I crashed through this book in a week (which is pretty speedy for me.) In the same sort of way I spend through Dear Reader at the beginning of the year.
The reason this is not 5 stars is I did drift off through some of the chapters - although I love the slow and interesting accumulation of knowledge and stories throughout this book, anyone who's ever sat through a presentation of mine will attest to the fact this is how I think. But I did find myself checking out occasionally (coincidentally also how I think)... I'm just not sure I'll ever really be a scholar of the history of libraries it turns out.
But I'm also in the mindset that having favourite parts of this book is kind of the point? A book that is essentially a love letter to reading and books is all about choosing what you want to read and finding those books and stories that call out to you....so I'm not mad about it. Some parts grabbed me so completely I will be thinking about them for a long time, and I think some bits washed over me a little.
Am I mad about this? Absolutely not? Will my friends be getting copies of this book for Christmas? Absolutely. Do I wish all of it had grabbed me as much as the majority of the chapters did? Also yes. But after having read nearly 400 pages about the power and the humanity in reading and books I'm happy with all of these things sitting together in this particular reading experience.
The reason this is not 5 stars is I did drift off through some of the chapters - although I love the slow and interesting accumulation of knowledge and stories throughout this book, anyone who's ever sat through a presentation of mine will attest to the fact this is how I think. But I did find myself checking out occasionally (coincidentally also how I think)... I'm just not sure I'll ever really be a scholar of the history of libraries it turns out.
But I'm also in the mindset that having favourite parts of this book is kind of the point? A book that is essentially a love letter to reading and books is all about choosing what you want to read and finding those books and stories that call out to you....so I'm not mad about it. Some parts grabbed me so completely I will be thinking about them for a long time, and I think some bits washed over me a little.
Am I mad about this? Absolutely not? Will my friends be getting copies of this book for Christmas? Absolutely. Do I wish all of it had grabbed me as much as the majority of the chapters did? Also yes. But after having read nearly 400 pages about the power and the humanity in reading and books I'm happy with all of these things sitting together in this particular reading experience.
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
A treasure trove for those who love everything books! This is a well researched chronology of the history of books and selling them, thr importance of booksellers in our civilization. Must read for book lovers.
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Fascinating, informative and funny (it had me laughing out loud a lot) this is an impeccably written love letter to books and booksellers through the ages. So many new (to me) historical figures in the book world and stories within stories that were captivating. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Oh yes, I listened to the audiobook via audible and found the narration excellent too.
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
THE book about books, Latham is a genius of fast pace whilst not feeling scatterbrained or unorganised. This book will make you appreciate every bookstore you enter from then on even more than you already do, so please give this a read.