A Passion for Books

by Lawrence Clark Powell

First English edition. Nineteen interesting chapters on books and book-collecting. Presentation from the author on front free endpaper. Well preserved copy. 259, 5 pages. cloth, dust jacket.. 8vo..

Genres: Nonfiction

249 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1958

Reviews

[Luke Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of essays and speeches on librarianship, reading, and books. Most all of Powell's philosophy is outlined here, and though the content is dated-- Powell's focus is mainly on men of the librarian profession, with women only getting a passing mention-- it is well written. Like Steinbeck or Fante Powell is able to connect sentences together with clear, concise abandon. It's a treat to see that one of Henry Miller's "living books" to which Miller refers to in The Books in My Life is himself a great writer, but that Powell seems to have put this passion in fourth place. That is, behind his passion for book collecting, librarianship, and reading. Powell's story and genius, then, seeps out in other ways-- as in Miller's book. You have to read a lot to find him, and he returns the favor, as he is a generous writer, because to read him is to tree off into numerous other discoveries or to delight in his personal assessments and uses of Whitman or DH Lawrence or the more obscure writers. He lauds Lawrence Tappan Wright, in an essay on Wright's Islandia, as having attained "The highest good...to be a genius and to remain obscure" and Powell has done the same.

[Marc Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawrence Clark Powell was the consummate bookman. As a academic librarian and book collector, he was well-suited to write about book collecting and librarianship. He was a fine writer and the book is an easy read. Well worth your time, particularly if you are a true book lover.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant, lighthearted read. I enjoy reading books about books, especially this one from a book collector's perspective.

[Brian Quast · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 3-1/2 star rating; with a solid B grade.

[Gregg · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a 21st century librarian, I wonder what Powell would make of the state of librarianship today. In his essays, he expresses disdain for much of what I learned in my library science studies. Because of his focus on books as the soul of libraries, and not information, his work often seems quaint and out of date. However, his love of books and library service are strong. Some of the essays in this collection, as with any collection, are better than others. If you are a librarian, it's worth reading at least for a historical perspective on the profession.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A seminal text, in my opinion, with foreshadowing of what was to come in the "Information Age." I found part 1 much more enjoyable than part 2, which was rather clinical. All in all a joyful celebration of the written word.