Items related to Reading Matters: Five Centuries of Discovering Books
Synopsis
It is easy to forget in our own day of cheap paperbacks and mega-bookstores that, until very recently, books were luxury items. Those who could not afford to buy had to borrow, share, obtain secondhand, inherit, or listen to others reading. This book examines how people acquired and read books from the sixteenth century to the present, focusing on the personal relationships between readers and the volumes they owned. Margaret Willes considers a selection of private and public libraries across the period—most of which have survived—showing the diversity of book owners and borrowers, from country-house aristocrats to modest farmers, from Regency ladies of leisure to working men and women.
Exploring the collections of avid readers such as Samuel Pepys, Thomas Jefferson, Sir John Soane, Thomas Bewick, and Denis and Edna Healey, Margaret Willes also investigates the means by which books were sold, lending fascinating insights into the ways booksellers and publishers marketed their wares. For those who are interested in books and reading, and especially those who treasure books, this book and its bounty of illustrations will inform, entertain, and inspire.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Margaret Willes, the former Publisher for the National Trust, has written and illustrated numerous books. She lives in London.
Review
"[Willes] tackles her subject with considerable learning and with a gusto atypical of a scholarly volume. . . . There's a wealth of information here."—Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly 2008-09-29)
"A handsome, richly illustrated ramble through the history of book buying. . . . This is a charming book, full of digressions—biographical and historical nuggets abound—but it is also clearly the fruit of a remarkable range and depth of research."—Peter Walpole, Virginia Quarterly Review
(Peter Walpole Virginia Quarterly Review 2009-03-01)
". . . . This is a fascinating book for anyone with a touch of bibliomania. . . . Much of the information is relevant to book lovers and librarians everywhere. After reading this book, you'll never think of book ownership in quite the same way again."— Academia (Academia)
“. . . enchanting and delightful. . . . Willes’s diligent and skillful research in a wide range of archives is demonstrated on every page. . . . [C]aptivating; it is at once both instructive and entertaining. Anyone who loves books and their history will love Reading Matters.” — Peter H. Reid, Library and Information History
(Peter H. Reid Library and Information History)
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherYale University Press
- Publication date2008
- ISBN 10 0300127294
- ISBN 13 9780300127294
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages304
- Rating
Buy New
Learn more about this copy
US$ 34.79
Shipping:
US$ 3.00
Within U.S.A.
Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace
Stock Image
Reading Matters : Five Centuries of Discovering Books
Published by
Yale University Press, 2008
ISBN 10: 0300127294
ISBN 13: 9780300127294
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. 1st Edition. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # GRP58166487
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Reading Matters: Five Centuries of Discovering Books
Seller: Once Upon A Time Books, Siloam Springs, AR, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Acceptable. This is a used book. It may contain highlighting/underlining and/or the book may show heavier signs of wear . It may also be ex-library or without dustjacket. This is a used book. It may contain highlighting/underlining and/or the book may show heavier signs of wear . It may also be ex-library or without dustjacket. Seller Inventory # mon0000281856
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Reading Matters: Five Centuries of Discovering Books
Published by
Yale University Press, United States, 2008
ISBN 10: 0300127294
ISBN 13: 9780300127294
Used
Paperback
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. It is easy to forget in our own day of cheap paperbacks and mega-bookstores that until very recently books were luxury items. Those who could not afford to buy had to borrow, share, obtain secondhand, inherit, or listen to others reading. This book examines how people acquired and read books from the sixteenth century to the present, focusing on the personal relationships between readers and the volumes they owned. Margaret Willes considers a selection of private and public libraries across the period - most of which have survived - showing the diversity of book owners and borrowers, from country-house aristocrats to modest farmers, from Regency ladies of leisure to working men and women.Exploring the collections of avid readers such as Samuel Pepys, Thomas Jefferson, Sir John Soane, Thomas Bewick, and Denis and Edna Healey, Margaret Willes also investigates the means by which books were sold, lending fascinating insights into the ways booksellers and publishers marketed their wares. For those who are interested in books and reading, and especially those who treasure books, this one will inform, entertain, and inspire. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR004174025
Quantity: 4 available
Stock Image
Reading Matters: Five Centuries of Discovering Books
Seller: Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Harrisburg, PA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. HARDCOVER Very Good - Crisp, clean, unread book with some shelfwear/edgewear, may have a remainder mark - NICE Standard-sized. Seller Inventory # M0300127294Z2
Quantity: 6 available
Stock Image
Reading Matters: Five Centuries of Discovering Books
Seller: Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Harrisburg, PA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Good. HARDCOVER Good - Bumped and creased book with tears to the extremities, but not affecting the text block, may have remainder mark or previous owner's name - GOOD Standard-sized. Seller Inventory # M0300127294Z3
Quantity: 11 available
Stock Image
Reading Matters: Five Centuries of Discovering Books
Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Reading Matters: Five Centuries of Discovering Books This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9780300127294
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Reading Matters: Five Centuries of Discovering Books
Seller: Half Price Books Inc., Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_401335418
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Reading Matters: Five Centuries of Discovering Books
Seller: Bahamut Media, Reading, United Kingdom
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780300127294
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Reading Matters : Five Centuries of Discovering Books
Published by
Yale University Press, 2008
ISBN 10: 0300127294
ISBN 13: 9780300127294
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 380543-6
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Reading Matters: Five Centuries of Discovering Books
Seller: Books Unplugged, Amherst, NY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Buy with confidence! Book is in good condition with minor wear to the pages, binding, and minor marks within 1.72. Seller Inventory # bk0300127294xvz189zvxgdd
Quantity: 1 available