Enemies of Books

Discover the fascinating history of the threats to books in Enemies of Books by William Blades. Originally published in 1881, this engaging work delves into the various destructive forces that have endangered the written word, including fire, water, ignorance, and vermin. Drawing from his extensive experience as a collector, Blades provides readers with a captivating exploration of the challenges books have faced throughout time. This revised and enlarged edition, published by Cambridge University Press in 2014, spans 188 pages and offers a unique perspective for book lovers and historians alike. A must-read for anyone passionate about literature and the preservation of knowledge, Enemies of Books invites you to reflect on the resilience of books in the face of adversity.