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A Free Library in This City: The Illustrated History of the San Francisco Public Library
"Whereas, We, the citizens of San Francisco ... do most heartily approve of the project about to be inaugurated for the establishment of A Free Library in this City, and do pledge to the same our hearty and united support."
With these words, an idea was born in San Francisco, an idea that eventually - well over a century later - achieved its apotheosis in the building of the New Main Public Library. This state-of-the-art cultural institution now stands as a tribute to all those who had the vision to conceive the idea and the energy to nourish this - through eras of triumph and tragedy.
With masterful insight, Peter Booth Wiley narrates the fascinating story of this idea, tracing the concept of the library back to the origins of writing and human history itself, through the ages of antiquity to the first American libraries and beyond ... to San Francisco.
Embroidered into the thread of the main narrative are 25 specially commissioned essays from the Bay Area's leading literary figures, accompanied by original artwork by noted local illustrators.
With these words, an idea was born in San Francisco, an idea that eventually - well over a century later - achieved its apotheosis in the building of the New Main Public Library. This state-of-the-art cultural institution now stands as a tribute to all those who had the vision to conceive the idea and the energy to nourish this - through eras of triumph and tragedy.
With masterful insight, Peter Booth Wiley narrates the fascinating story of this idea, tracing the concept of the library back to the origins of writing and human history itself, through the ages of antiquity to the first American libraries and beyond ... to San Francisco.
Embroidered into the thread of the main narrative are 25 specially commissioned essays from the Bay Area's leading literary figures, accompanied by original artwork by noted local illustrators.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
239 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1996
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About the author
Peter Booth Wiley
9 books1 followerPeter Booth Wiley has served as Chairman of the Board of John Wiley & Sons since 2002 and has been a member of the board since 1984. He represents the sixth generation of Wileys to play a leadership role at the company.
Wiley is Chairman of the California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo’s Library and Technology Advisory Council and serves on the Board of Directors of the University of California Press. He is also the author of many books including Empires in the Sun: The Rise of the New American West, America’s Saints: The Rise of Mormon Power, and Yankees in the Land of the Gods: Commodore Perry and the Opening of Japan. Wiley has lectured extensively on the history and future of publishing, San Francisco history and architecture, and the writing experience.
Wiley received a B.A. in English literature from Williams College and an M.A. in United States history from the University of Wisconsin (Madison).
Wiley is Chairman of the California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo’s Library and Technology Advisory Council and serves on the Board of Directors of the University of California Press. He is also the author of many books including Empires in the Sun: The Rise of the New American West, America’s Saints: The Rise of Mormon Power, and Yankees in the Land of the Gods: Commodore Perry and the Opening of Japan. Wiley has lectured extensively on the history and future of publishing, San Francisco history and architecture, and the writing experience.
Wiley received a B.A. in English literature from Williams College and an M.A. in United States history from the University of Wisconsin (Madison).
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