History of Libraries of the Western World

August 1, 1995
This latest update is a succinct and readable account of the development of libraries within the context of Western civilization. Divided as before into three sections covering the ancient world, the medieval period, and the modern era, Harris's account is well organized and informative. This edition includes recent developments such as the reunification of Germany. The European treatment emphasizes Britain, France, Italy, and Germany, with little mention of Scandinavia, Iberia, or eastern Europe except Russia. U.S. libraries form the bulk of the American chapters, with nods to Canada and Latin America. The text is expanded from the 1984 compact edition (Professional Reading, LJ 8/84) but is shorter than the 1976 third revised edition; the typography is much improved. There are good reading lists for each chapter but no footnotes or complete bibliography. Recommended.--Elizabeth Brice, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, Ohio