Review by Choice Review
In the prologue to this superbly written book, McKitterick (Univ. of Cambridge, UK) writes that he addresses several questions: "How were ideas of rarity formed? How did people learn to view old books? How did new books relate to old ones in the ways that each could be presented to the public and described by readers?" The book comprises 20 chapters (the last a conclusion), in which McKitterick looks at such topics such as bibliomania and book collecting. McKitterick focuses on the British book trade and activities, but he does draw examples from various Continental countries, especially France. The book includes some 20 black-and-white illustrations and figures; following the text are extensive, informative notes and a select bibliography. Book design and typeface are excellent. Particularly pertinent in the digital age, this seminal work is a must for those concerned with books, ideas of rarity, the humanities, and the future of books. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty; general readers. --William Baker, emeritus, Northern Illinois University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review