Every Book Its Reader: The Power of the Printed Word to Stir the World

I bought and read this book because I much enjoyed Basbanes' previous trilogy, especially PATIENCE AND FORTITUDE. But compared to his trilogy, this book looks too hurried and thrown together. There has been too little care with the organization and an occasional major gaff intrudes, such as his assertion that some of Goethe's poetry was "set to music by Mozart and Bach" (p. 279). Starting with high expectations, I was disappointed.Even so, this is a book I will keep, and probably return to, because it still has much to offer. Like his previous books, this is addressed to bibliophiles and deals with topics dear to them. In particular, it deals with readers, many of whom are famous, but some of whom are convicts and some of whom are small children. The book finds a dozen ways to emphasize the value and influence of books. The chapter on physicians and their books should appeal to every doctor on the continent.Basbanes interviewed a good number of legendary American readers--Harold Bloom, Helen Vendler, Daniel Aaron, Robert Coles--collecting comments that will make this book of interest to common readers and fulltime scholars. Though Basbanes is too much of a gentleman to make much of it, some of these learned people come across as amusing fools, and some flatly contradict each other. Thus Basbanes provides expert testimony that books can be beloved by wildly different people because they read books differently, and because they love different books.The only author I can compare to Basbanes is the wonderful Holbrook Jackson (an author Basbanes admires, too), because both allow their passion for books to be motive enough: they do not let themselves be distracted (at least not for long) by peeves or pieties. The personalities that guide their readers along are congenial, even affectionate, glad to have your attention and trying to repay it with every page.

I can never get my fill of Nicholas Basbanes. His love of books, libraries, and reading echo so many of my own traits, making his books treats that will bear innumberable rereadings and savorings.Every Book Its Reader continues Basbanes' familiar theme of the continuing importance of the printed word in today's society. It expands it by focussing on studies of the libraries of eminent booklovers of the past such as Edward Gibbon and through interviews with great living writers/readers like David McCullough and Harold Bloom. Basbanes branches into fascinating discussions on the art of translation, for example, that illuminate obscure but valuable corners of the world of books.In other words, there is a wealth of information about books and reading in Every Book Its Reader, but the most important reason to read it is its evocation of the joy of reading. Basbanes and his readers will undoubtedly echo the sentiment of May Lamberton Becker, one of his subjects in Every Book Its Reader, in saying that if we get to heaven, we will meet each other in the corner by the bookcases.

Mr. Basbanes continues his stream of seemingly unending book lore in this splendacious volume of 12 essays and approximately 40 b&w photo illustrations. I cannot envision any way that one might go wrong in purchasing this book. The previous ten reviewers provided excellent accounts of the work, so my only purpose is to add two recommendations that may be of interest to some. One, if you enjoy Basbanes' books, pick up any or all of the books about books written by Alberto Manguel. His viewpoints on books are recounted more from his personal reading experiences and provide a beautifully written counterpart to Basbanes' fine works. Two, if you really cherish books, consider a subscription to the rather lavish Fine Books & Collections magazine which has resumed its printed publication after a two-year hiatus. (Mr. Basbanes is a regular contributor.)

Basbanes has provided another well written,well researched book for serious readers,including some excellent interviews with the right people.From this one, I listed another six to read that he had referencedin the discussions. I always look forward to his next book.

Chock full of anecdotes and stories this book is beautifully written, engrossing anyone with even the slightest interest in how reading effects us. Very entertaining and thought-provoking.