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Libraries in the Ancient World

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( 823 ratings, 90 reviews)
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
Libraries in the Ancient World by Lionel Casson explores the fascinating evolution of libraries from their inception in ancient Mesopotamia to their flourishing presence in the classical world. The book traces the role of libraries in preserving and disseminating knowledge, detailing the types of materials they held, the methods of organisation, and the societies they served. It offers an insightful glimpse into the cultural and intellectual history of ancient civilisations.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the origins and evolution of libraries from ancient civilisations. It offers a captivating exploration of how knowledge was collected, preserved, and accessed in times long before modern technology. Perfect for history buffs with a passion for the enduring significance of libraries.

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The story of Ancient libraries from their very beginnings, when "books" were clay tablets and writing was a new phenomenon. Lionel Casson explores the royal libraries of the Ancient Near East, the private and public libraries of Greece and Rome, and the first Christian monastic libraries.

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

This work tells the story of ancient libraries from their very beginnings, when books were clay tablets and writing was a new phenomenon.

Classicist Lionel Casson takes us on a tour from the royal libraries of the Ancient Near East, through the private and public libraries of Greece and Rome, down to the first Christian monastic libraries.

He explains what books were acquired and how, who read them, how they were organised, and more.

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?

Libraries in the Ancient World by Lionel Casson is praised for being both charming and informative, offering a succinct and engaging account of the development of libraries across ancient civilisations like Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. Reviewers appreciate its appeal to both bibliophiles and history enthusiasts, noting the book's accessible prose and well-designed presentation. Critics admire its ability to transcend conventional views of libraries, providing a unique social history and intriguing glimpses into book-related practices over several millennia.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300097214

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 11 August 2002

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 30 b-w illus.

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 181g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Lionel Casson is Professor Emeritus of Classics, New York University, and the author of Ships and Seamanship in the Ancient World as well as many other books on ancient maritime history and ancient travel.

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