Books and Libraries

A history of books and libraries from their beginnings in Babylon, Egypt, and China, through the Greeks and the Middle Ages, to the present day

Grade 2-5-- The history of books and libraries from Babylon to the present is a pretty ambitious undertaking, especially in so few pages (some of which are completely taken up by illustration). The writing is compact, to say the least, and not very imaginative. In fact, it borders dryness. Some of the facts are incomplete: the Library of Congress may be required to receive two copies of every book copyrighted and printed in the U. S., but it certainly doesn't keep them. The art of papermaking is mentioned, but not explained, and only a passing glance is given to contemporary libraries, with no mention of video or audio materials, and only a vague reference to "computers in libraries." The illustrations are flat and lifeless, with heavily outlined figures in primary colors. For similar information, stick with Check It Out! (HBJ, 1988) by Gail Gibbons or How a Book Is Made (Crowell, 1986) by Aliki. --Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, Buffalo, NY
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.