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blondevalkyrie's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting, but very academic
Having read an early preview to this book I was looking forward to reading it. I loved the cover and it did a good job of drawing me in, books to me are portable magic, the author so got it right there with the Stephen King quote.
I found the idea of the subject very interesting but it was not written in a way that I found enjoyable to read at length, maybe it should be read in small spurts, a couple of chapters at a time? After finishing the book I realised I had learnt a lot of interesting facts about the history of books and printing. Although I feel that so many references to the Bible ( I know it is historically important) were overriding inclusions of other books. I did find the writing style slightly disjointed and jumped about more than I like and felt a more chronological method may have suited me better. It did concentrate heavily on the 1500s and 1600s and I would have liked more of the modern side looked at.
I feel that although I learned a lot reading the book, it was more like reading a text book
adperfectamconsilium's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Portable Magic: A History of Books and their Readers by Emma Smith
Stephen King famously said that books are 'a uniquely portable magic'. All bookworms know how right he was.
In this volume Emma Smith looks at this 'portable magic' with the idea of the form of the book itself being a magical object as much as the contents themselves.
A book about the love of books and the journey of being a reader throughout history. What's not to love?
Split into easily accessible chapters covering different times in history and various aspects of 'bookhood' it's a book that can easily be dipped in and out of and the chapters could be read in any order.
There's a lot of interesting information and Emma explains how some things we think are true aren't actually the case and that there is more to the story.
From lavishly illustrated bibles to a book made of cheese (yes, really!), the object of a readers love has come in so many forms.
From the earliest books to the earliest shelfies, the styles of early book gifts and annuals, the books carried by soldiers that stopped bullets, a book collector that carried his prized possession on the Titanic, chapters on library books, censorship, the use of books as talismans and a lot more. There's plenty here to find out.
Well researched and full of intriguing facts there's something here for even the most discerning reader.
Stephen King famously said that books are 'a uniquely portable magic'. All bookworms know how right he was.
In this volume Emma Smith looks at this 'portable magic' with the idea of the form of the book itself being a magical object as much as the contents themselves.
A book about the love of books and the journey of being a reader throughout history. What's not to love?
Split into easily accessible chapters covering different times in history and various aspects of 'bookhood' it's a book that can easily be dipped in and out of and the chapters could be read in any order.
There's a lot of interesting information and Emma explains how some things we think are true aren't actually the case and that there is more to the story.
From lavishly illustrated bibles to a book made of cheese (yes, really!), the object of a readers love has come in so many forms.
From the earliest books to the earliest shelfies, the styles of early book gifts and annuals, the books carried by soldiers that stopped bullets, a book collector that carried his prized possession on the Titanic, chapters on library books, censorship, the use of books as talismans and a lot more. There's plenty here to find out.
Well researched and full of intriguing facts there's something here for even the most discerning reader.
ameliedehauwere's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
4.5
littlestarsandstories's review
3.75
A good book to listen to while on walks - more about the physicality of books than I was expecting but it was interesting
adep02's review
3.75
excellent book - dives into the history of the book in many forms and the introduction and epilogue were both very moving to me as a chronic reader!
pipfromspace's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.0
taramonfils's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.5