Libraries in the Ancient World

Which came first, the book or the library? This monograph by the classicist Lionel Casson provides a detailed answer that will appeal not just to bibliophiles but to anyone who enjoys picking up odd bits of intriguing historical information. -Amanda Heller, Boston Sunday Globe [I]nformative. . . . [A] succinct account of the development of reading, writing and book collecting in Mesopotamia, Greece, and the Roman Empire. . . . The reader can only wish . . . that he follows this short but engaging book with a sequel. -Michiko Kakutani, New York Times [A] charming and brief narrative history of the birth (and deaths) of libraries in the ancient world. -Robert Messenger, New York Times Book Review [A] book that many readers will enjoy immensely. Yale has produced a handsome volume, well designed by Mary Valencia (off-white paper stock, inviting layout, abundant illustrations), neither too long nor too short, and written in limpid, understated prose by an expert on ancient civilization. For a quick overview of 3,000 years of book making, selling, care and preservation-from roughly 2,500 B.C. to 600 A.D.-this is the roll, or rather codex, to start with. . . . [D]iverting and instructive. -Michael Dirda, Washington Post Book World A wonderful book for those who love libraries and the books within. -History Magazine Casson's book is not limited to where and when important libraries existed, it offers a social history transcending the idea of a library as we know it. . . . As appealing to the archaeologist as the bibliophile. -Publishers Weekly A wonderful book on a wonderful subject. Casson knows what is interesting and tells us in spellbinding style. -G.W. Bowersock, Institute for Advanced Study