The Book of the British Library

by Michael Leapman

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. 

Genres: Books About Books, Reference, History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2012

Reviews

[Dorin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good souvenir book. Many photographs and details about the collections the library holds and how they got acquired. It goes nicely as an addition to the Treasures of the British Library exhibition. The amount of material the library holds is astounding.

I think an updated version is needed though.

[Doc Kinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful, heavily illustrated and photographed, overview of the collection of the British Library through 2011. Really fantastic!