The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders

A sharp and delightful celebration of libraries around the world, and throughout time—for the passionate bibliophile and literary historian.

“Excellent . . . Tracks the history of that greatest of all cultural institutions.” —The Washington Post

Libraries are much more than mere collections of volumes. The best are magical, fabled places whose fame has become part of the cultural wealth they are designed to preserve. Some still exist today; some are lost, like those of Herculaneum and Alexa...