The Book of the British Library - Hardcover

Leapman, Michael

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0712358374 ISBN 13: 9780712358378

Publisher: British Library, 2012

Synopsis

In addition to holding some of the world’s most prized cultural treasures, the British Library is also the repository of the nation’s collective memory. Owing its origin to the generosity and far-sightedness of a handful of eighteenth-century scholars and book lovers, the Library’s very extensive collections—of books, manuscripts, maps, music, newspapers, photographs, sound recordings, stamps, and digital media—offer keys to the understanding of human achievement in literature, art, music, politics, journalism, exploration, and much else, from ancient times to the present day. This beautifully produced and generously illustrated book tells the story of the Library through its founders, its engaging history, and its renowned collection. Michael Leapman highlights the most significant and beautiful items in the care of the British Library, while also exploring some of the lesser-known, more surprising artifacts housed in its iconic building in the heart of London. 

About this title

About the Author:

Michael Leapman was for many years a correspondent for the London Times. He has written or edited eighteen books on an eclectic range of subjects, including biographies of Inigo Jones and Rupert Murdoch, travel guides to London and New York, and an acclaimed account of the Great Exhibition of 1851.

Review:

“Plentifully and beautifully illustrated, The Book of the British Library is a pleasure to dip into. . . . Leapman works hard to string together the many pearls of the collection.” (Jason Scott-Warren Times Literary Supplement)

“Leapman successfully presents a balanced and knowledgeable history of the British Library, its formation, and its development, while simultaneously features an astounding mixture of institutional high spots: Gutenberg, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Caxton, Keats, the Brontės, Lewis Carroll, Kipling, and more. Leapman also surprises readers by highlighting obscure gems, such as Beethoven’s tuning fork, the first edition of Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management, and an advertisement for Vaseline. This volume is generously illustrated with crisp images of books, bindings, manuscripts, objects, and portraits of important figures in the institution’s history. . . . A treat for bibliophiles and librarians, this volume is also suited to more casual readers interested in English history. Recommended.” (R. M. Roberts, Lincoln Land Community College Choice)

About this edition

• Publisher: British Library
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0712358374
• ISBN 13: 9780712358378
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256