History of Libraries of the Western World

By (author) Michael H. Harris

Publication date:

29 July 1999

Length of book:

312 pages

Publisher

Scarecrow Press

ISBN-13: 9780810837249

This edition of the History of Libraries in the Western World represents a substantial revision of the earlier edition, taking into account the "information revolution" that has swept the West since 1945 and the political revolution that swept across Europe beginning in 1986. In addition, recent scholarship has been incorporated throughout the text, with special emphasis on the work centered around the "new history of the book." The bibliographies at the end of each of the twelve chapters have been thoroughly revised to reflect the very considerable new work on library and book history.

Preface
I: Libraries in the Ancient World
1. The Origin of Libraries
2. Babylonian and Assyrian Libraries
3. Egyptian Libraries
4. Greek Libraries
5. Roman Libraries
II. Medieval Libraries
6. Byzantine and Moslem Libraries
7. Monastic and Cathedral Libraries
8. The Rise of the University, the Renaissance, the Invention of Printing, and the Growth of Libraries in Europe to 1500
III. Modern Library Development in the West
9. European Libraries; Expansion and Diversification to 1917
10. Libraries in America to 1950
11. Modern European Libraries
12. Modern American Libraries
Index
About the author

Harris creates...understanding of the progression [of libraries and their continual adaptation] by placing these developments within the context of social and political climates. He doesn't overlook the influence of class and wealth on libraries, nor does he ignore contributions made by women and minority groups. It is a credit to Harris' writing that the book is spiced with excerpts, anecdotes, and wisdoms recorded by ancient and modern librarians. The updated bibliographies...extend its use beyond the covers...this well researched and long standing work on library history...[is] an essential purchase...