Scan barcode
A review by mshusky
Library: An Unquiet History by Matthew Battles
informative
slow-paced
2.0
I started off really enjoying this history; the first two chapters were very interesting, his personal views on the history of the first books (clay tables, papyrus, scrolls etc) and the early libraries. Chapters 3 & 4 were boring, and written in a very pompus tone (or maybe I was so taken with the early history I did not notice until I was no longer so enthralled with the history).
The more recent past (during the mid to late 20th Century wars) with its examples of pillaging or deliberate burning was again absorbing/horrifying, especially when one compares that to what is currently happening in Ukranian libraries and schools in the cities and towns under Russian control.
But then he has to conclude with a stodgy conclusion.
Bascially a history that is good in parts.
The more recent past (during the mid to late 20th Century wars) with its examples of pillaging or deliberate burning was again absorbing/horrifying, especially when one compares that to what is currently happening in Ukranian libraries and schools in the cities and towns under Russian control.
But then he has to conclude with a stodgy conclusion.
Bascially a history that is good in parts.