Raymond Irwin on the English Library – serie

Published in 1964 and 1966 and incorporating the earlier Origins of the English Library (1954), these 2 volumes were written by an authority on libraries from across the world, and the first director after World War 2 of the School of Librarianship at University College London, Raymond Irwin. Together they give an unparalleled insight into the development of libraries from classical civilization and the part they have played in the development of culture up to the late 20th Century. Studied from a new angle, and written in an engaging style, these volumes are far from dry and of interest to both bibliophiles and social historians alike.

Originally published in 1966, this book studied the background against which libraries in England have developed since classical times and the part they played in the formation of 20th Century bibliographic culture and bibliomania. Part 1 discusses the power of the written book in antiquity and follows the story from Greek and Roman times to Roman Britain and through Saxon and Medieval England to the Reformation. Part 2 traces the history of the Englishman’s study and his domestic library from its beginning to Victorian days and reveals how intimately it is related to our literature and culture. The spread of the art of reading in the 15th Century and its expansion among people of all classes in the 18th and 19th centuries are discussed in detail.

Originally published in 1966, this book studied the background against which libraries in England have developed since classical times and the part they played in the formation of 20th Century bibliographic culture and bibliomania. Part 1 discusses the power of the written book in antiquity and follows the story from Greek and Roman times to Roman Britain and through Saxon and Medieval England to the Reformation. Part 2 traces the history of the Englishman’s study and his domestic library from its beginning to Victorian days and reveals how intimately it is related to our literature and culture. The spread of the art of reading in the 15th Century and its expansion among people of all classes in the 18th and 19th centuries are discussed in detail.

Originally published in 1964 this volume continues the studies of the history of libraries and incorporates material included in The Origins of the English Library with some additional material. It was published at a time when there was a marked revival of interest in the historical background of libraries and reading. The book examines the social and intellectual background against which libraries have prospered and the roots in both classical and medieval periods from which they came. This book will be of interest to historians, librarians and educationalists.