Roger Chartier

Interesting discussion of book history primarily from the French perspective. Would have benefited by including translations for the many book titles in Latin or French. I found the chapter on authors of particular interest. In the end, while displaying a deep knowledge of the subject matter, the author could have been a bit more daring in his conclusions.

This book was composed of a few different essays about the history of cataloging and organizing books, with a primary focus on France. While written in an academic style, the essays are still reasonably readable. Main concern is some of the terminology is kept in French. While not a major concern, it could potentially make it difficult for non-French speaking readers. Still, the essays turned out to be interesting to read.

A collection of essays, each focusing on a different period in the history of reading in the west. Uneven, but many chapters are fascinating and the approach on the whole is scholarly and balanced. A much better treatment of the subject than Manguel's A History of Reading.

People with more sympathy with mid-century French historiographical practice than I have will no doubt find this diffuse sturdy more satisfying than I did.