About the book
A history of libraries and the people who built them, from the ancient world to the digital age
“Engaging [and] ambitious” (The Washington Post)
The history of the library is rich, varied, and stuffed full of incident. In The Library, historians Andrew Pettegree and Arthur der Weduwen introduce us to the antiquarians and philanthropists who shaped the world’s great collections, trace the rise and fall of literary tastes, and reveal the high crimes and misdemeanors committed in pursuit of rare manuscripts. In doing so, they reveal that while collections themselves are fragile, often falling into ruin within a few decades, the idea of the library has been remarkably resilient as each generation makes—and remakes—the institution anew.
“The Library proves that truth is more intriguing than fiction…Full of charismatic individuals and astonishing facts.”―The Times (London)
Editions of The Library
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781541600775
- EBook
- ISBN 9781541600782
Read an Excerpt
A history of libraries and the people who built them, from the ancient world to the digital age
“Engaging [and] ambitious” (The Washington Post)
The history of the library is rich, varied, and stuffed full of incident. In The Library, historians Andrew Pettegree and Arthur der Weduwen introduce us to the antiquarians and philanthropists who shaped the world’s great collections, trace the rise and fall of literary tastes, and reveal the high crimes and misdemeanors committed in pursuit of rare manuscripts. In doing so, they reveal that while collections themselves are fragile, often falling into ruin within a few decades, the idea of the library has been remarkably resilient as each generation makes—and remakes—the institution anew.
“The Library proves that truth is more intriguing than fiction…Full of charismatic individuals and astonishing facts.”―The Times (London)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Library about?
A history of libraries and the people who built them, from the ancient world to the digital age
“Engaging [and] ambitious” (The Washington Post)
The history of the library is rich, varied, and stuffed full of incident. In The Library, historians Andrew Pettegree and Arthur der Weduwen introduce us to the antiquarians and philanthropists who shaped the world’s great collections, trace the rise and fall of literary tastes, and reveal the high crimes and misdemeanors committed in pursuit of rare manuscripts. In doing so, they reveal that while collections themselves are fragile, often falling into ruin within a few decades, the idea of the library has been remarkably resilient as each generation makes—and remakes—the institution anew.
“The Library proves that truth is more intriguing than fiction…Full of charismatic individuals and astonishing facts.”―The Times (London)
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Library?
History and Archaeology > History > General and world history
Where can I read a sample of The Library?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781541600775
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Library?
Andrew Pettegree, Arthur der Weduwen
Who is the Publisher of the book The Library?
Basic Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Library is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781541600775) and ebook(ISBN 9781541600782)
Where can I buy The Library online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Library from below
Where can I buy The Library?