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Packing My Library

An Elegy and Ten Digressions
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Packing My Library by Alberto Manguel explores the intimate relationship between a reader and their books as Manguel recounts the emotional and cerebral experience of packing up his personal library. Blending memoir with literary reflections, the book delves into the significance of books and libraries in shaping one's life and identity, providing a rich meditation on the power of literature.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2899
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you love exploring the profound connection between readers and their libraries. The author, a well-known bibliophile, delves into the emotional and intellectual aspects of curating a personal library, making it a perfect read for those who appreciate the magic and memories that bookshelves hold.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A best-selling author and world-renowned bibliophile meditates on his vast personal library and champions the vital role of all libraries.

“The author brings a fresh hopefulness to the enterprise of books and reading. Vintage Manguel—a pleasure for his many readers and admirers.”—Kirkus Reviews

In June 2015, Alberto Manguel prepared to leave his centuries-old village home in France’s Loire Valley and reestablish himself in a one-bedroom apartment on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Packing up his enormous, 35,000-volume personal library, choosing which books to keep, store, or cast out, Manguel found himself in deep reverie on the nature of relationships between books and readers, books and collectors, order and disorder, memory and reading.

In this poignant and personal reevaluation of his life as a reader, the author illuminates the highly personal art of reading and affirms the vital role of public libraries.

Manguel’s musings range widely, from delightful reflections on the idiosyncrasies of book lovers to deeper analyses of historic and catastrophic book events, including the burning of ancient Alexandria’s library and contemporary library lootings at the hands of ISIS.

With insight and passion, the author underscores the universal centrality of books and their unique importance to a democratic, civilized, and engaged society.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Packing My Library by Alberto Manguel receives praise for its intimate and reflective exploration of a life devoted to books. Reviewers highlight Manguel's intellectual depth, enthusiasm, and unique ability to blend memoir with insightful literary digressions. It is described as both a poignant and celebratory tribute to the role of reading and libraries in shaping personal and intellectual journeys.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300244526

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 11 June 2019

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 160

About the Author

Alberto Manguel is a writer, translator, editor, and critic, but would rather define himself as a reader and a lover of books. From 2015 to 2018 he was the director of the National Library of Argentina. Born in Buenos Aires, he has since resided in Israel, Argentina, Europe, the South Pacific, and Canada. His previous books include The Library at Night, A Reader on Reading, and Curiosity. He now lives in New York City.

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