Description

Book Synopsis
First published in 1881, this popular and entertaining work by the printer and bibliographer William Blades (1824â90) examines the numerous threats that books have faced throughout their existence. Based on the author's experience of collecting printed works, the book explores such destructive forces as fire, water, disgruntled pirates, ignorance, and vermin. Even bookbinders and collectors are accused of causing mischief. In 1886, Blades was cruelly tormented by one of his enemies when his printing works burned down. A founder of the Library Association, he most notably investigated the work of Caxton: his two-volume Life and Typography of William Caxton (1861â3) is also reissued in this series. After his death, his extensive collection of books formed the basis of the St Bride Printing Library. Six editions of The Enemies of Books emerged between 1881 and 1886. Reissued here is the revised, enlarged and illustrated version that appeared in 1888.

Table of Contents
1. Fire; 2. Water; 3. Gas and heat; 4. Dust and neglect; 5. Ignorance and bigotry; 6. The bookworm; 7. Other vermin; 8. Bookbinders; 9. Collectors; 10. Servants and children; 11. Anecdote of book-sale in Derbyshire; Conclusion; Index.

The Enemies of Books Cambridge Library Collection History of Printing Publishing and Libraries

    Product form

    £19.99

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Mon 17 Aug 2026.

    A Paperback by William Blades

    15 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Enemies of Books Cambridge Library Collection History of Printing Publishing and Libraries by William Blades

      Publisher: Cambridge University Press
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 12/4/2014 12:00:00 AM
      ISBN13: 9781108076418, 978-1108076418
      ISBN10: 1108076416
      Also in:
      Literary studies: general

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      First published in 1881, this popular and entertaining work by the printer and bibliographer William Blades (1824â90) examines the numerous threats that books have faced throughout their existence. Based on the author's experience of collecting printed works, the book explores such destructive forces as fire, water, disgruntled pirates, ignorance, and vermin. Even bookbinders and collectors are accused of causing mischief. In 1886, Blades was cruelly tormented by one of his enemies when his printing works burned down. A founder of the Library Association, he most notably investigated the work of Caxton: his two-volume Life and Typography of William Caxton (1861â3) is also reissued in this series. After his death, his extensive collection of books formed the basis of the St Bride Printing Library. Six editions of The Enemies of Books emerged between 1881 and 1886. Reissued here is the revised, enlarged and illustrated version that appeared in 1888.

      Table of Contents
      1. Fire; 2. Water; 3. Gas and heat; 4. Dust and neglect; 5. Ignorance and bigotry; 6. The bookworm; 7. Other vermin; 8. Bookbinders; 9. Collectors; 10. Servants and children; 11. Anecdote of book-sale in Derbyshire; Conclusion; Index.

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account