Here is what I did not like about this book.

A significant portion of it is dedicated to criticizing librarians for the practice of weeding and also criticizing the actions and functions of libraries. However, it appears that in his research, the author seems to have made the decision not to interview any actual librarians. Instead, he only interviewed book sellers, book collectors, and those who have issues with the weeding process.

This approach seems rather one-sided and limited. By excluding the voices and perspectives of the very professionals who are directly involved in the activities being criticized, the author may be missing out on valuable insights and a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Librarians have their own reasons and justifications for the decisions they make regarding weeding and library operations. Their expertise and experience could have provided a more balanced view and perhaps challenged some of the author's assumptions.

It would have been more beneficial and informative if the author had included the perspectives of librarians in his research, rather than relying solely on the opinions of those with a particular stance or interest in the matter.

Overall, this omission undermines the credibility and objectivity of the book's criticism and leaves the reader with an incomplete and potentially inaccurate picture of the issues at hand.

So good - a delicious wander through the world of libraries and books.

It was truly an enchanting experience. The moment I opened this piece, I was immediately drawn into a captivating realm.

The author's vivid descriptions painted a beautiful picture of the various libraries and the countless precious books they hold.

Each page seemed to unfold a new adventure, as if I was physically walking through the aisles of those magnificent libraries.

The love and passion for books and libraries that oozed from every word made it impossible for me to put this down.

I found myself completely immersed in this literary journey, eager to discover what lay ahead on the next page.

It was a truly delicious and unforgettable wander through the wonderful world of libraries and books.

I found this volume to be much slower-paced compared to Nicholas Basbanes' other works on book history, and it wasn't quite as captivating. This has no bearing on his remarkable writing and research skills. Readers intrigued by ancient civilizations should find A Spendor of Letters enthralling from the very first page.

Given my penchant for the 18th through 20th centuries, the book didn't truly engage me until the halfway point. Then, I was overcome with sadness by the author's accounts of efforts to eradicate entire cultures by destroying every shred of their written language. (This, upon reflection, must be the origin of the word "obliterate.") Fortunately, there were nearly always heroes who cared deeply about books and risked their own safety and that of their families to rescue at least a few endangered works. Without these courageous individuals, many of his anecdotes would be difficult to endure.

As always, Basbanes skillfully synthesizes information from hundreds of sources and weaves it together with his own insights, seamless as can be. Some of his information on electronic books is already outdated, as is the coda, penned just after the looting of Baghdad's museums and national library. This is one case where a printed book - like the amber that preserves a moment in time - could gain from the updatable nature of a digital edition.

I found "A Splendor of Letters" to be an extremely interesting book. The historical information it contains can indeed make it seem a bit dense at times. However, when looking at the overall picture, I truly enjoyed every moment of reading it.

The details and the depth of the content related to the history of letters and books are simply fascinating. It offers a unique perspective on the evolution of written communication and the significance of books throughout different eras.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for reading and collecting books. It is not only a source of knowledge but also a source of inspiration for book lovers.

Whether you are a casual reader or a serious book collector, "A Splendor of Letters" is definitely worth your time and attention.

I truly loved the beginning of this book due to the rich history it presented.

However, as I delved deeper into it, I found myself struggling with the vivid and horrible description of the destruction of books that the author detailed.

Nevertheless, his assessment of the future of books in their current paper form was quite thought-provoking and it really helped me to envision what the future might hold for the printed word.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to any bibliophile out there.

It offers a unique perspective on the history, present, and future of books, and is sure to engage and stimulate the minds of those who have a passion for reading and the written word.