The Library

“An eloquent account of the noble history of libraries, as it has unfolded from the earliest times to the present.” —Nicholas A. Brasbanes, author of A Gentle Madness

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 libraries of ancient Greece, early China, Renaissance England, and modern-day America, and speaks to the book lover in all of us. Incorporating beautiful illustrations, insightful quotations, and many marvelous mysteries of libraries—their books, patrons, and keepers—this book is certain to provide you with a wealth of knowledge and enjoyment.

Stuart A. P. Murray has been an author and editor for almost thirty years, specializing in American history. The author of thirty-four books, including the award-winning America’s Song: The Story of "Yankee Doodle," and books on the American Revolution, the Civil War and the Vietnam War. He lives in Petersburgh, New York.

Nicholas A. Basbanes is the author of the bestselling book on book collecting, A Gentle Madness: Bibliophiles, Bibliomanes, and the Eternal Passion for Books.

Donald G. Davies, Jr., editor of Libraries & Culture, is the author of several books and serves as emeritus professor at the University of Texas, School of Information. Previously, Dr. Davis worked in the University of California, Berkeley, Library.