A History of Reading: A Journey Through Time and Cultures

By Alberto Manguel

A sweeping and erudite exploration of the history of reading, from the ancient world to the present day

In this magisterial work, Alberto Manguel takes us on a journey through the history of reading, from the earliest cave paintings to the latest e-books. Along the way, he explores the many ways that people have read and written, and the profound impact that reading has had on our cultures and societies.

A fascinating and thought-provoking book that will change the way you think about reading

Manguel begins by examining the origins of reading and writing, and how they developed in different parts of the world. He then traces the evolution of the book, from the clay tablets of ancient Mesopotamia to the codexes of the Middle Ages to the printed books of the Renaissance. He also discusses the role of reading in different societies, from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Islamic world to the modern West.

A beautifully written and elegantly illustrated book that is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of reading

Manguel's writing is clear, concise, and engaging, and he brings his subject to life with a wealth of fascinating anecdotes and examples. The book is also beautifully illustrated with over 100 images, including manuscripts, paintings, and photographs.

A History of Reading is a monumental work of scholarship that is also a pleasure to read. It is a book that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of reading, the history of books, or the history of culture.

Praise for A History of Reading

"A magisterial work of scholarship that is also a pleasure to read. Manguel's writing is clear, concise, and engaging, and he brings his subject to life with a wealth of fascinating anecdotes and examples." —The New York Times

"A sweeping and erudite exploration of the history of reading, from the ancient world to the present day. Manguel's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of reading, the history of books, or the history of culture." —The Wall Street Journal

"A beautifully written and elegantly illustrated book that is a joy to behold. Manguel's book is a testament to the power of reading and the importance of books." —The Boston Globe

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