Conaway, James. America's Library: The Story of the Library of Congress 1800-2000. New Haven: Yale University Press. 2000. Print.
First Sentences:
On a cold day in December, 1800, in the north Atlantic, a dozen trunks toss in the hold of a vessel named for the country toward which it sails.
In the trunks are books, according to the document accompanying them, sent "by the Grace of God, in good Order, and well conditioned ... upon the good Ship call the American" and protected against all but "the Act of God, the King's Enemies, Fire, and all and every other Dangers and Accidents of the Seas, Rivers, and Navigation, of whatever Nature and Kind."
Description:
OK, I know, I know. Another recommendation about some book-themed title. What can I say? I'm a former librarian, insatiable reader, and love what I love...which happens to be non-fiction books about books. So here is another fine offering to my favorite subject: James Conaway's America's Library: The Story of the Library of Congress 1800-2000.
Libraries were rare in the 1700s in America. Benjamin Franklin had started the first one in 1731 in Philadelphia. But Congress realized the value of having a private collection available for elected representative, so in 1789 they voted $1000 (and $500 annually after) to identify and purchase from England a "catalog of books necessary for the use of Congress," as well explore constructing a building to house them.
Imagine having to decide which books would be the most useful to understand governing a new nation, world history, social problems, biographies, business practices, classical works, and anything else deemed vital. Thus the Library of Congress was created.
From there, author Conaway describes, the construction of the building and collection, the resistance by Congress to its expense, the burning of the Library by the British in the War of 1812 and the Library's subsequent rise again with the purchase of Thomas Jefferson's personal library. Amazingly, the Library was completely burned or threatened with flames repeatedly throughout its history, with culprits including candles left burning or stopped up chimney flues.
But this glorious collection survives. Added to the original books-only library are now treasures such as Stradivari violins, Houdini's collection of magic and spiritualism, one (of only three known) perfect copy of the Gutenberg Bible, The American Memory Project of digitized Civil War photography, radio recordings, movies, historical documents, rare maps, and so much more
Along the way, Conaway inserts tidbits about the Presidents, directors, and collection donors who protected and moved the Library of Congress to new heights. There are also sidebars to provided historic color with events occurring during various periods of US history such as the Lewis and Clark exploration of the Louisiana Territory and the War with Mexico.
America's Library also includes photos and descriptions of the restoration of the Jefferson Reading Room to its original glory, a project recently completed that I saw in person and marveled at.
Maybe you are not so interested in books, buildings, collections, or the history of the United States. But this book and our Library of Congress show in words and photos that large numbers of people have struggled to create and preserve a rich collection of the wisdom of mankind and the United States for all of us to enjoy. We can all be proud of the Library of Congress, a symbol of intelligence, beauty, and ideas.
Libraries were rare in the 1700s in America. Benjamin Franklin had started the first one in 1731 in Philadelphia. But Congress realized the value of having a private collection available for elected representative, so in 1789 they voted $1000 (and $500 annually after) to identify and purchase from England a "catalog of books necessary for the use of Congress," as well explore constructing a building to house them.
Imagine having to decide which books would be the most useful to understand governing a new nation, world history, social problems, biographies, business practices, classical works, and anything else deemed vital. Thus the Library of Congress was created.
From there, author Conaway describes, the construction of the building and collection, the resistance by Congress to its expense, the burning of the Library by the British in the War of 1812 and the Library's subsequent rise again with the purchase of Thomas Jefferson's personal library. Amazingly, the Library was completely burned or threatened with flames repeatedly throughout its history, with culprits including candles left burning or stopped up chimney flues.
But this glorious collection survives. Added to the original books-only library are now treasures such as Stradivari violins, Houdini's collection of magic and spiritualism, one (of only three known) perfect copy of the Gutenberg Bible, The American Memory Project of digitized Civil War photography, radio recordings, movies, historical documents, rare maps, and so much more
Along the way, Conaway inserts tidbits about the Presidents, directors, and collection donors who protected and moved the Library of Congress to new heights. There are also sidebars to provided historic color with events occurring during various periods of US history such as the Lewis and Clark exploration of the Louisiana Territory and the War with Mexico.
America's Library also includes photos and descriptions of the restoration of the Jefferson Reading Room to its original glory, a project recently completed that I saw in person and marveled at.
Maybe you are not so interested in books, buildings, collections, or the history of the United States. But this book and our Library of Congress show in words and photos that large numbers of people have struggled to create and preserve a rich collection of the wisdom of mankind and the United States for all of us to enjoy. We can all be proud of the Library of Congress, a symbol of intelligence, beauty, and ideas.
It is the duty of every good citizen to use all the opportunities which occur to him, for preserving documents relating to the history of our country." (Thomas Jefferson, 1823)
Happy reading.
Fred
Fred
www.firstsentencereader.blogspot.com
If this book interests you, be sure to check out:
The Library of Congress. The Card Catalog: Books, Cards, and Literary Treasures
Johnson, Marilyn. This Book Is Overdue! How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All
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If this book interests you, be sure to check out:
The Library of Congress. The Card Catalog: Books, Cards, and Literary Treasures
Who would have thought the story behind the development and implementation of the library card catalog would be a fascinating read? From ancient book lists to the first Library of Congress catalog to the current MARC online access system, the card catalog has a rich history. If nothing else, this book contains great photos of libraries and people important in this history, along with photos of original catalog cards and the jackets of first edition books they represent. (previously reviewed here)
Johnson, Marilyn. This Book Is Overdue! How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All
Wonderful interviews and stories about all things librarian, from individuals dedicated to providing information in all formats while protecting privacy, even if it means standing up to the federal government. They create computer-based research and tools, answer questions more accurately than any Internet search engine, have launched Banned Book Week, One Book One Community, and Radical Reference to provide online information to activists, journalists, and organizations. A great profession thoroughly and appreciatively explored. (previously reviewed here)
