
The Enemies of Books
William Blades(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 4. December 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
188 pages
978-1-108-07641-8 (ISBN)
Description
First published in 1881, this popular and entertaining work by the printer and bibliographer William Blades (1824-90) examines the numerous threats that books have faced throughout their existence. Based on the author's experience of collecting printed works, the book explores such destructive forces as fire, water, disgruntled pirates, ignorance, and vermin. Even bookbinders and collectors are accused of causing mischief. In 1886, Blades was cruelly tormented by one of his enemies when his printing works burned down. A founder of the Library Association, he most notably investigated the work of Caxton: his two-volume Life and Typography of William Caxton (1861-3) is also reissued in this series. After his death, his extensive collection of books formed the basis of the St Bride Printing Library. Six editions of The Enemies of Books emerged between 1881 and 1886. Reissued here is the revised, enlarged and illustrated version that appeared in 1888.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
8 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
245 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-108-07641-8 (9781108076418)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Content
1. Fire; 2. Water; 3. Gas and heat; 4. Dust and neglect; 5. Ignorance and bigotry; 6. The bookworm; 7. Other vermin; 8. Bookbinders; 9. Collectors; 10. Servants and children; 11. Anecdote of book-sale in Derbyshire; Conclusion; Index.