Praise for Stuart Kells and The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders

‘If you think you know what a library is, this marvellously idiosyncratic book will make you think again. After visiting hundreds of libraries around the world and in the realm of the imagination, bibliophile and rare-book collector Stuart Kells has compiled an enchanting compendium of well-told tales and musings both on the physical and metaphysical dimensions of these multi-storied places.’ Age

‘The Library abounds in fascinating tales of lost codices and found manuscripts, and the sometimes unscrupulous schemes by which people have conspired to obtain or amass valuable volumes.’ New York Times

‘Excellent…Tracks the history of that greatest of all cultural institutions.’ Washington Post

‘Rich with gossipy tales of the inspired, crazy, brilliant and terrible people who have founded or encountered libraries through history… Kells’ reflections are wonderfully romantic, wryly funny and often far from reverent…There’s no doubt we can all learn a lot from the magnificently obsessive and eloquent Kells.’ Australian

‘In this free-roaming history of libraries, Kells, well read, well travelled, ebullient and erudite, relishes tales of innovation, obsession and criminality.’ Booklist (starred review)

‘Stuart Kells has written a deft and involving book that manages to balance the erudite with the accessible…Kells’s book is high-minded and dedicated, the engaged and engaging work of someone in love.’ Monthly

‘Kells proves a generous guide, taking us on a whirlwind tour through several thousand years of book history.’ Australian Book Review

‘Kells blends scholarly expertise with sharp wit in this enjoyable history of libraries…Kells’s passion for the subject suffuses this pleasurable book, calling readers to understand the importance of the library’s role in preserving humanity’s history and why libraries are still relevant today.’ Publishers Weekly

‘The Library charts the transition between formats such as papyrus scrolls, parchment codices, moveable type and ebooks. There are many whimsical detours along the way…Kells translates his stunning depth of research into breezy digestibility.’ Big Issue

‘Kells’s fervour is visible from the outset…Will delight and educate.’ Chicago Review of Books

‘There is so much to learn and enjoy in this book, with the impressive amount of research never weighing down the accessible writing…Kells makes an elegant plea for the future library—one that will resonate with most book lovers.’ Good Reading

‘The Library is a treasure trove and reaching the last page simply prompts an impassioned cry for more of the same.’ Otago Daily Times