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43rd out of 153 books
—
160 voters
Libraries in the Ancient World
Telling the story of ancient libraries from their very beginnings, when "books" were clay tablets, a renowned classicist takes readers on a lively tour from the royal libraries of the ancient Near East to the private and public libraries of Greece and Rome, down to the first Christian monastic libraries, explaining what books were acquired and how. Illustrations.
Paperback, 192 pages
Published
August 11th 2002
by Yale University Press
(first published 2001)
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Before Patience and Fortitude, those familiar lions, gazed from New York’s Public Library, what was there? And what was there before the printing press and the wonderfully doctored paper each of us use every day?
Questions that no doubt many people have asked, and have not been able to find the answers to. Libraries in the Ancient World answers all these questions and more, from a professor’s perspective, ergo in immense detail that is unrivaled.
Crossing a long spectrum, from the early days of Ba...more
Questions that no doubt many people have asked, and have not been able to find the answers to. Libraries in the Ancient World answers all these questions and more, from a professor’s perspective, ergo in immense detail that is unrivaled.
Crossing a long spectrum, from the early days of Ba...more
This is a short and fun read for anyone who loves books, anyone who's ever wondered how libraries functioned in the ancient world. I learned many new tidbits from this book, e.g. the fact that in the Roman world, libraries were often doubled : one for Latin, one for Greek. Or how the intellectuals relied on an elaborate network of private libraries and scribes to obtain access to the rarer volumes. Or how the codex slowly supplanted the roll. Or the prominent role that slaves and freedmen played...more
This book was an excellent overview of how libraries began and developed. I found it to the point and rather fast paced, which made it surprisingly easy to read. In fact, at the end I was disappointed that so little information was given in the Chapter on Monastic libraries. (Although I assume the author didn't categorize them as "ancient" and only wanted to show what the ancient libraries evolved into).
One of the highlights of the book for me was all the information on Mesopotamian libraries....more
One of the highlights of the book for me was all the information on Mesopotamian libraries....more
In the fall I'm going back to school for an MLIS. Since I'm unemployed I've also been trying to transition into a career that will use my web production experience with the sorts of jobs I'll be able to apply for after I complete my degree in 2 years. Some of the jobs require a basic skills test. What better place to get review materials for the test than the library? Along with the test materials, I also picked up Libraries in the Ancient World by Lionel Casson.
The copy I picked up happens to b...more
The copy I picked up happens to b...more
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This was a fun short read (145 pages) about the evolution of libraries from the era of Sumerian clay tablets to the parchment codex of early Christian monasteries. Casson is an excellent researcher and writes in a lively style. He covers the funding and architecture of the buildings, the training and activities of library staff, acquisitions and production of books, and much more. Fascinating. Recommended for anyone who loves libraries.
Rarely able to say this of a research work but the study of libraries in the ancient world is barely touched on. Literacy is a thing not discussed and the importance of public reading and writing and who can and can't read (compared to modern standards and failings) needs to be understood by anyone interested in any history.
This is a very readable nonfiction book about libraries in the ancient world, starting with the middle east several thousand years ago and ending with the beginning of monastic life. Occasional pictures and illustrations highlight the author's writing. This book would be enjoyed by anyone who likes ancient history, libraries, books, or the spread of literacy.
Nice little book. Should cover China/Asia too, but does a great job at succinctly outlining the development and makeup of libraries in the ancient world. The author includes a bit of back-story-history, some humour, and technical details where available. Grand.
A must read for those interested in the history of libraries. Very enjoyable -- but the text in this very short book could still use some spark (either in the writing style of the author or more imaginative layout to help break up the dense text).
A brief look at ancient Western libraries. Well written and with enough details to be interesting, but sorely lacking in other areas. Still, it's a good start to broach this topic.
Even thought I gave it 4-stars, I wouldn't recommend this book to everyone. If you are either a follower of ancient literary habits, or a HUGE fan of libraries/books or the ancient world, then, sure, check this one out. The author purports this is all the known information about libraries in the ancient world and I'll take his word for it (145 pages seems to be just enough length to the topic justice and keep the reader interested). The writing was interesting enough to keep me engaged while (at...more
A very easy read and quite interesting. Infinitely better than Yun Lee Too's 'The Idea of the Library in the Ancient World'. Confuse the two at your own peril!
More engaging then the class in Library school!
Oct 20, 2012
Gary Bodine
added it
Covers what you would expect. Well written. Some very nice pics.
Telling the story of ancient libraries from their very beginnings, when "books" were clay tablets, a renowned classicist takes readers on a lively tour from the royal libraries of the ancient Near East to the private and public libraries of Greece and Rome, down to the first Christian monastic libraries, explaining what books were acquired and how.
Illustrations.
Illustrations.
It was interesting but not fascinating. Turns out there is little known about libraries in the ancient world (and by ancient world, he means the ancient western world, completely disregarding anything that happened outside of Europe and Northern Africa). Possibly there is not enough known about these libraries to fill a book.
One for the ages.
Always enjoy Casson's crystal clear modern English.
This and his 'Travel In The Ancient World' are one of a kind surveys in English that details the retained/discovered knowledge of these ancient methods of book making and keeping and travel.
Always enjoy Casson's crystal clear modern English.
This and his 'Travel In The Ancient World' are one of a kind surveys in English that details the retained/discovered knowledge of these ancient methods of book making and keeping and travel.
Good coverage of ancient libraries, their materials, organization, subject matter, and patrons. Also, how they were destroyed so rapidly once Christianity became dominant.
Oct 09, 2008
Jamie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
people interested in history and libraries
Recommended to Jamie by:
class
For a history book about ancient libraries, I found myself completely enthralled and in awe.
Still charming, after all these years!
Surprisingly very interesting!
Jun 16, 2013
Morgan Sohl
marked it as to-read
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Lionel Casson was a classicist, professor emeritus at New York University, and a specialist in maritime history.
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