'Excellent ... rigorous but riveting history' Spectator 'Outstanding ... a history of libraries from the ancient world to yesterday, it is fetchingly produced and scrupulously researched - a perfect gift for bibliophiles everywhere' Professor John Carey, The Sunday Times'A sweeping, absorbing history, deeply researched, of that extraordinary and enduring phenomenon: the library' Richard Ovenden, author of Burning the Books: A History of Knowledge under AttackFamed across the known world, jealously guarded by private collectors, built up over centuries, destroyed in a single day, ornamented with gold leaf and frescoes or filled with bean bags and children's drawings - the history of the library is rich, varied and stuffed full of incident.
In this, the first major history of its kind, Andrew Pettegree and Arthur der Weduwen explore the contested and dramatic history of the library, from the famous collections of the ancient world to the embattled public resources we cherish today. Along the way, they introduce us to the antiquarians and philanthropists who shaped the world's great collections, trace the rise and fall of fashions and tastes, and reveal the high crimes and misdemeanours committed in pursuit of rare and valuable manuscripts.
Author(s): Weduwen, Arthur der, Pettegree, Andrew,
Binding: Hardback,
Date of Publication: 14/10/2021,
Pagination: 528 pages, 16pp colour plates + b/w inset,
Series: N/A,
Imprint: Profile Books Ltd,
Published By: Profile Books Ltd,
Book Classification: Reference, information & interdisciplinary subjects,
ISBN13\EAN\SKU: 9781788163422