“The most democratic of institutions receives a fitting tribute. Packed with colorful photos, illustrations and archival materials” (BookPage).
Throughout the history of the world, libraries have been constructed, burned, discovered, raided, and cherished—and the treasures they’ve housed have evolved from early stone tablets to the mass-produced, bound paper books of our present day. The Library invites you to enter the establishments of ancient Greece, early China, Renaissance England, and modern-day America. It speaks to the bibliophile in all of us by documenting the changing form and function of the book from era to era, whether clay tablets, parchment sheets, papyrus scrolls, glossy paper, recording tape, or silicone chips. Incorporating beautiful illustrations, insightful quotations, and many marvelous mysteries of libraries—their collections, patrons, and keepers—this book is certain to provide you with a wealth of knowledge and enjoyment.
“An eloquent account of the noble history of libraries, as it has unfolded from the earliest times to the present.” —Nicholas A. Basbanes, author of A Gentle Madness
“This handsome edition would make an excellent gift for any booklover . . . reading about the transformative history of libraries and information delivery has never been more important―or more enjoyable.” —The Association of College and Research Libraries Washington Newsletter
