The Library

Description

In this remarkable story, Stuart A.P. Murray traces the elaborate history of the library from its very beginnings in the ancient libraries of Babylon and Alexandria to some of the greatest contemporary institutionsthe Royal Society of London, the Newberry Library, the Smithsonian, and many others. Illustrated with 130 rich color photos, readers can follow the fascinating progress of the institution we now know today as the library. - Publisher.

Description

"The first libraries appeared five thousand years ago in Southwest Asia's 'Fertile Crescent'... the birthplace of writing, some time before 3000 BCE," writes Stuart A. P. Murray, introducing his fascinating exploration into the history of the library. With the dawning of advanced civilization, the written word flourished and the need for libraries became paramount in many societies. Throughout the history of the world, libraries have been constructed, burned, discovered, raided, and cherished —while the treasures they housed evolved from early stone tablets, to beautifully illumined vellum, and to the mass-produced, bound paper books and the digital formats of our present day. *The Library* opens doors to the libraries of ancient Greece, early China, Renaissance England, and modern-day America. This volume speaks to the book lover in all of us while offering a panoramic view of the history of libraries across the centuries. Incorporating beautiful illustrations, insightful quotations, and descriptions of many marvellous libraries —their books, patrons, and keepers— *The Library* is certain to provide a wealth of knowledge and enjoyment. Published with the cooperation of the American Library Association and with an introduction by Donald G. Davis, Jr. and a foreword by bestselling author Nicholas A. Basbanes, Stuart A. P. Murray's *The Library* takes the reader on a compelling and informative journey through the dynamic history of our beloved libraries.

First Sentence

On a December night in 1853, gangs of diggers labored with pick and shovel by the light of oil lamps to fill baskets and handcarts with sandy rubble.

Subjects

Other Editions

• The Library: An Illustrated HistoryHardcoverSkyhorse Pub.2009-01-01
• LibrarySkyhorse Publishing Company, Incorporated2009-01-01
• The librarySkyhorse Pub.2009-01-01
• The LibrarypaperbackSKYHORSE2012-03-01
• BibliotecasTapa blanda con solapaLa Esfera de los libros2014-01-01
• Bibliotecas : una historia ilustradaEsfera de los libros2014-01-01