The New York Public Library's Books of the Century

Elizabeth Diefendorf is Chief Librarian in the General Research Division, New York Public Library.

"If you wanted to devise an adult counterpart to the sort of summer reading lists that many libraries compile for teens...begin with The New York Public Library's Books of the Century."--The Plain Dealer"These sorts of lists are fun to pore over--provocative, sometimes perplexing, and oddly reassuring because they shine a bright light on the critical role books play in our lives."--Hartford Courant"If you wanted to devise an adult counterpart to the sort of summer reading lists that many libraries compile for teens.... begin with The New York Public Library's Books of the Century."--The Plain Dealer"You'll love this little book, even if only to argue with it."--The Memphis Commercial Appeal"These sorts of lists are fun to pore over--provocative, sometimes perplexing, and oddly reassuring because they shine a bright light on the critical role books play in our lives."--Hartford Courant"This is a welcome follow-up to the exhibit and will intrigue those who love books."--Library Journal"A provocative overview of titles that have influenced and defined our age. Books of the Century boldly selects the most significant works of the past 100 years, provides a useful introduction to each, and suggests the reasons for its impact. The work invites browsing and reflection, and underscores the importance of "the book" at a moment when its future appears far from certain."--Paul Boyer, Merle Curti Professor of History and Director, Institutefor Research in the Humanities, University of Wisconsin-Madison