William Blades

The Enemies of Books (eBook, ePUB)

Preserving Literary Treasures: An In-Depth Exploration of Book-Destroying Forces

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "The Enemies of Books," William Blades presents a captivating exploration of the myriad threats to books and the written word throughout history. Blades employs a blend of scholarly rigor and engaging narrative style, which reflects his deep passion for bibliophilia. The work weaves together historical anecdotes, literary analysis, and personal reflections on the fragility of books, addressing not just physical destruction but also more insidious cultural and societal influences that endanger literary heritage. His examination ranges from the ravages of time to the perils posed by censorship and neglect, placing books in a broader literary and historical context that reverberates with relevance today. William Blades, a prominent 19th-century bibliophile and publisher, was profoundly influenced by his love for literature and the preservation of its history. His vocation in printing and publishing drove him to investigate the various adversities faced by books, solidifying his determination to advocate for their protection and appreciation. Blades's own experiences in the literary world, along with influences from contemporaneous debates about literature'Äôs sanctity, shape this work's urgency and importance. This book is essential reading for bibliophiles, historians, and anyone invested in the preservation of cultural knowledge. "The Enemies of Books" not only enlightens readers about the vulnerabilities of written works but also serves as a clarion call to cherish and protect them in the face of ever-evolving challenges.

---

Dieser Download kann aus rechtlichen Gründen nur mit Rechnungsadresse in A, B, BG, CY, CZ, D, DK, EW, E, FIN, F, GR, H, IRL, I, LT, L, LR, M, NL, PL, P, R, S, SLO, SK ausgeliefert werden.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 151
• Erscheinungstermin: 25. November 2019
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4057664644442
• Artikelnr.: 58561872

Autorenporträt

William Blades (1824-1890) was an eminent English printer and bibliographer, renowned for his scholarly pursuits in the history and preservation of books. Blades was born on December 5, 1824, in Clapham, London. His pivotal work, 'The Enemies of Books' (1880), reflects not only his deep affection for books but also his expertise in the causes of their deterioration. In this classic of bibliophilic literature, Blades discusses the myriad dangers that books have historically encountered, including fire, water, gas, heat, dust, neglect, insects, and their most dangerous enemy, ignorant or careless human handlers. His literary style combines meticulous research with a touch of humor and personal anecdotes, which makes his treatise both informative and engaging. Beyond 'The Enemies of Books,' his contributions to printing history and bibliographic studies have garnered him academic recognition and continue to be referenced by contemporary scholars and book lovers. Blades operated a printing business but devoted substantial time to researching the history of the printing press, culminating in his biographical works on early printers like William Caxton. Blades' dedication to the craft of printing and his zeal for preserving the legacy of the printed word solidify his place in the annals of bibliographic history. His works remain a testament to his passion for books and serve as an enduring resource for those interested in the preservation and appreciation of literature.

Inhaltsangabe

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.