Reading memory

In June 2015, Manguel prepared to leave his old rural house in the Loire Valley in France to settle in a small apartment in Manhattan. During the transfer of his large personal library, and choosing the books he would keep or store or exclude, Manguel found himself in a deep daydream about the nature of the relationships between books and readers, books and collectors, order and chaos, memory and reading. In a personal and heartfelt reevaluation of his life as a reader, the author sheds light on the art of reading with great specificity, emphasizing the vital role of public libraries. Manguel's reflections are wide-ranging, extending from enjoyable reflections on the virtues of book lovers to in-depth analyses of historical and catastrophic book incidents, including the burning of the ancient Library of Alexandria and the contemporary looting of libraries. With passion and insight, the author emphasizes the universal centrality of books and their unique importance for a committed, civilized, and democratic society. "One of Manguel's most intimate works."