Ex Libris
Anne Fadiman |
This collection of essays -- by an author who has an uncontrollable urge to read anything in sight, mail-order catalogs included -- serves up charming anecdotes about the joys of collecting and reading books. Topics covered include arguments between spouses about how to merge their collections (a book is not just a collection of words. Each volume has its own history --who gave it, where and when it was read), how we treat our books (to scribble or not to scribble? Are you a courtly lover or a carnal one?), spotting slips of language, and the like.
It's written in a lively, sparkling style, in the tradition of the well-crafted personal essay. A thoroughly pleasant way to spend a few hours reading, and it makes a great gift for the readers in your life.