Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
This was a relaxing and often charming read, I particularly enjoyed the first section about "comfort reads". However, I feel that in this book Latham attempted to achieve both intimate memoir and grand history. Both ends fell slightly short of the mark for me. The more historical sections tended to brush over interesting ideas whilst trying to cram in as many names, examples, and anecdotes as the wordcount allowed. The descriptions of relationships and encounters which were much more personal for Latham were the most successful, for sure.
Perhaps I made a mistake in trying to read this in a few sittings rather than over a long period of time. But it felt at times to be a slog, reading more like a checklist of facts than a "tale".
This wasn't a bad book. I was drawn to it as I browsed in Topping's in Edinburgh, and if nothing else it is a reminder of my trip there. The cover art is stunning and it would make a lovely gift for any book-obsessive. It's certainly not groundbreaking, and I don't think it tried to be.
Perhaps I made a mistake in trying to read this in a few sittings rather than over a long period of time. But it felt at times to be a slog, reading more like a checklist of facts than a "tale".
This wasn't a bad book. I was drawn to it as I browsed in Topping's in Edinburgh, and if nothing else it is a reminder of my trip there. The cover art is stunning and it would make a lovely gift for any book-obsessive. It's certainly not groundbreaking, and I don't think it tried to be.
slow-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
Enjoyed this very much, particularly the chapter on comfort books, and the way he describes the feeling you get when browsing in a bookshop, like forgetting you need to be yourself.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
reflective
slow-paced
Peggio del libro precedente. Una serie di capitoli sui libri senza un filo conduttore, senza un senso, senza capo né coda. Forse era meglio che l’autore fosse rimasto a fare lo storico e non mettersi a questionare sul «valore del libro».
The Bookseller's Tale has been an absolute joy to read. It's full of lovely little historical facts and tales about booksellers, book collectors, libraries and all things bookish. It has made me want to read more about book history as there is so much I don't know. Latham writes in a conversational style that is very readable and engaging and brings life to the history he discusses.
Dnf as I just don’t care for it at this point and time in my life
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This book is exceptional. I genuinely enjoyed every minute of it. I feel like I have travelled the world and seen all of its bookish glory. I particularly enjoyed the Reading In Adversity chapter, about women having to hide their reading from their husbands, about African-American slave women reading as a way of escapism and defiance. Women and reading go hand in hand, as I have learnt. As a bookseller, I also particularly enjoyed the last chapter. Bookselling is a love of mine, and this book has only seemed to ignite it once more. If you love books, bookshops, booksellers or all 3, then read this book. It's thoroughly educational and entertaining. 5 stars.
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced