Books on fire : the destruction of libraries throughout history

Books on Fire by Lucien Polastron

This is itself a book on fire. It’s full of polemic, largely about the state of French libraries and the associated decline in culture.

That said, it is an interesting read. Polastron covers the history of libraries from Mesopotamia to modern Iraq, focussing on

the destruction of said libraries. This approach does give a sort of negative history of libraries, but the book is not a history of libraries as such.

The relentless piling up of destruction does get wearying, especially when Polastron merely writes short paragraphs on a number of events. Whilst I appreciate the point he seems to be making, it does rather weigh down the book at times.

The polemic helps to counteract this. You might not agree with Polastron, but at least here there is some structure and something to read against. To take an example, he briefly digresses to attack not only DDC for being too logical but the OCLC for being mercenary in its use of Dewey to make money.

Polastron also has an engaging turn of phrase at times. For instance, in his criticism of the OCLC he speaks of them ‘giving a new meaning to the word bookworm.

The book has its longeurs, as discussed, and the focus narrows quite quickly. You can appreciate the long discussions of the French situation, but they sit rather clunkily in the narrative.

That said, the book does provide a lively and impassioned discussion of the reasons for library losses and the potential impact of what he sees as other forms of destruction- digitisation for one.

A splendor of letters covers much the same areas in a more readable way; Library: an unquiet history does a similar job. This book takes its place alongside these on my shelf on the strength of its authors perspective, but many will find the other two works preferable

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LibraryThing member davidloertscher

Books on Fire: The Destruction of Libraries Throughout History by Lucien X. Polastron (Inner Traditions, 2007. ISBN: 9781594771675)
How long has it been since you read a book about the history of libraries? Probably as long as it has been for me – since graduate school. Translated from the French,

our author covers libraries that have been destroyed since early history. This is slow, uniteresting narrative. Originally in the French, the translation could have probably improved the appeal, but I suspect it is as boring in French as the result in English. It may be historically accurate because our author has the credentials, but… Not recommended.

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LibraryThing member dono421846

An excellent addition to the books discussing the lost libraries from a uniquely French point of view. Beyond the usual stories, the author goes on to consider the effect of digitization and other forces that impact the survival of libraries. He writes with much wit, and the translator provides

helpful notes so we can bridge the gap of cultural humor.

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LibraryThing member oldbookswine

Written in 2007 the author establishes that war and libraries go hand in hand as the conquerer destroys libraries to erase the old thoughts and replace. From the stones to the internet he establishes the link between the two. The reader also learns that this is not easy as people try to protect the

books and often hide them away.

Scholarly so sometimes a bet dry. However I completed the book and learned many new things.

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Original language

French

Physical description

xii, 371 p.; 24 cm

ISBN

9781594771675

Copy notes

"Originally published in French under the title Livres en feu by Éditions. Denoël.
First U.S. edition.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Copyright 2004 by Éditions Denoël.
English translation copyright 2007 by Inner Traditions International.