Bibliograph

A universal history of the destruction of books, from ancient Sumer to modern-day Iraq, Fernando Báez ; translated by Alfred MacAdam

Type

Label

A universal history of the destruction of books, from ancient Sumer to modern-day Iraq, Fernando Báez ; translated by Alfred MacAdam

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

A universal history of the destruction of books

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

233004302

Responsibility statement

Fernando Báez ; translated by Alfred MacAdam

Sub title

from ancient Sumer to modern-day Iraq

Summary

A product of ten years of research and support from leading American and European universities, A Universal History of the Destruction of Books traces a tragic story: the smashed tablets of ancient Sumer, the widespread looting of libraries in post-war Iraq, the leveling of the Library of Alexandria, book burnings by Crusaders and Nazis, and censorship against authors past and present. With diligence and grace, Báez mounts a compelling investigation into the motives behind the destruction of books, reading man's violence against writing as a perverse anti-creation. His findings ultimately attest to the lasting power of books as the great human repository of knowledge and memory, fragile yet vital bulwarks against the intransigence and barbarity of every age.--From publisher description

Classification