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A Library Miscellany
What can be found in the Vatican’s Secret Archive? How many books did Charles Darwin’s library aboard the Beagle hold? Which library is home to a colony of bats?
Bursting with potted histories, quirky facts, and enlightening lists, this book explores every aspect of the library, celebrating these remarkable institutions as well as the individuals behind their inspiring collections. From the ancient library at Alexandria to the Library of Congress in Washington DC, and from university libraries to those of humble villages, A Library Miscellany explores institutions both old and new. Opening the door to unusual collections such as herbaria, art libraries, magic libraries, and even the “library of smells,” this book also charts the difficulties of cataloging books deemed to be subversive, heretical, libelous, or obscene.
Packed with unusual facts and statistics, this is the perfect gift for library enthusiasts, bibliophiles, collectors, and readers everywhere.
Bursting with potted histories, quirky facts, and enlightening lists, this book explores every aspect of the library, celebrating these remarkable institutions as well as the individuals behind their inspiring collections. From the ancient library at Alexandria to the Library of Congress in Washington DC, and from university libraries to those of humble villages, A Library Miscellany explores institutions both old and new. Opening the door to unusual collections such as herbaria, art libraries, magic libraries, and even the “library of smells,” this book also charts the difficulties of cataloging books deemed to be subversive, heretical, libelous, or obscene.
Packed with unusual facts and statistics, this is the perfect gift for library enthusiasts, bibliophiles, collectors, and readers everywhere.
132 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2018
2 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cock-Starkey
24 books24 followersI started out in media, working at BBC Radio Four and Five Live before going on to work at LBC. From there I found my spiritual home working with Ben Schott, starting out as researcher on the Sporting, Gaming and Idling Miscellany. I went on to help develop the format for Schott’s Almanac, working as Assistant Editor on the first two books before rising to become UK & Series Editor on the four subsequent UK books, three German and three US editions.
Working with Ben I also had the opportunity to assist with various miscellaneous offerings for The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Conde Nast Traveller, New York Times, Vanity Fair and Smythson diaries.
After producing a small team of children I decided it was time to set up on my own, so since 2011 I have been busily working as a freelance writer and editor – juggling writing books and articles, project managing a vast array of Lego building operations and editing and indexing a number of non-fiction titles.
I am happiest perched in the British Library reading rooms surrounded by a pile of obscure and fascinating books researching my next offering.
Working with Ben I also had the opportunity to assist with various miscellaneous offerings for The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Conde Nast Traveller, New York Times, Vanity Fair and Smythson diaries.
After producing a small team of children I decided it was time to set up on my own, so since 2011 I have been busily working as a freelance writer and editor – juggling writing books and articles, project managing a vast array of Lego building operations and editing and indexing a number of non-fiction titles.
I am happiest perched in the British Library reading rooms surrounded by a pile of obscure and fascinating books researching my next offering.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 15, 2018
I have been a fan of libraries for longer than I care to remember. I visit my local one in most weekends and normally have a book or two to collect or drop back and always look at the shelves to see if there is anything that catches my eye.
This sister volume to The Book Lovers' Miscellany picks up the same baton as that book. It is one that will have you retiring to the closest comfortable chair to uncover the delights and secrets of the libraries of the world. In here we will learn who was the first librarian, which library in the UK loans the most books each year and just what a legal deposit library is. There is a potted history of the library from the earliest over 2500 years ago to the most recent digital libraries. There are the rules of some of the world's most famous libraries where you can discover which one states that you cannot carry a gun in (!!!)
It is shocking I know, but there are libraries out there that don't contain books, however, they do contain a variety of other objects from seeds to smells, art and there is even a library of magic. We learn who wanted the library stock for themselves and were caught stealing the maps and books from some of the most famous libraries in the world, and those who have borrowed the books then forgot to bring them back for quite a while. I'm quite excited by the Future Library that Katie Peterson has created, she is collecting 100 books by 100 different authors and these will not be published until 2114.
There is some overlap between this book and The Book Lovers' Miscellany, but this is still a cornucopia of snippets, facts and figures about libraries that bibliophiles will treasure.
This sister volume to The Book Lovers' Miscellany picks up the same baton as that book. It is one that will have you retiring to the closest comfortable chair to uncover the delights and secrets of the libraries of the world. In here we will learn who was the first librarian, which library in the UK loans the most books each year and just what a legal deposit library is. There is a potted history of the library from the earliest over 2500 years ago to the most recent digital libraries. There are the rules of some of the world's most famous libraries where you can discover which one states that you cannot carry a gun in (!!!)
It is shocking I know, but there are libraries out there that don't contain books, however, they do contain a variety of other objects from seeds to smells, art and there is even a library of magic. We learn who wanted the library stock for themselves and were caught stealing the maps and books from some of the most famous libraries in the world, and those who have borrowed the books then forgot to bring them back for quite a while. I'm quite excited by the Future Library that Katie Peterson has created, she is collecting 100 books by 100 different authors and these will not be published until 2114.
There is some overlap between this book and The Book Lovers' Miscellany, but this is still a cornucopia of snippets, facts and figures about libraries that bibliophiles will treasure.
February 23, 2024
The last of the three (or is that the first) is all about libraries from the oldest to the newest, the largest to the smallest and everything and anything in between. This is a collection (as the title suggests being miscellany) of interesting and fun facts all around libraries.
There are some overlap with the books edition but there is nothing too serious and certainly it does not feel as though you are reading the same book twice or that you have been cheated out of pages. Rather it is just reminding you were it all started.
I love these kinds of books as you never know what fact or snippet of information you will find next or more importantly where it will send you next.
There are some overlap with the books edition but there is nothing too serious and certainly it does not feel as though you are reading the same book twice or that you have been cheated out of pages. Rather it is just reminding you were it all started.
I love these kinds of books as you never know what fact or snippet of information you will find next or more importantly where it will send you next.
February 16, 2018
I’m tempted to refer readers to my review of The Book Lover’s Miscellany as A Library Miscellany is equally as good and very similar in style and presentation.
Once again, the materials presented have been meticulously researched and there is so much detail and information packed into this little book. it may be diminutive in size but it holds a wealth of information.
I was quite surprised by some of the lending statistics presented, and was particularly interested in the rules employed by some of our famous libraries. Whilst I understand the need to avoid chewing gum and bottles of ink in London’s British Library, I’m not sure umbrellas present too big a threat to books if they are in bags and dry! I do agree that banning ‘Engaging in sexual conduct or lewd behaviour‘ and ‘Having a knife, gun, or any other weapon‘ is a jolly good idea for New York Public Library!
What I think works so well for A Library Miscellany is the variety of entry. readers are treated to a range of facts and figures, they meet personalities and philanthropists behind libraries, they discover the history and terminology of libraries in a delightful book for all readers. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2018/02/16/...
Once again, the materials presented have been meticulously researched and there is so much detail and information packed into this little book. it may be diminutive in size but it holds a wealth of information.
I was quite surprised by some of the lending statistics presented, and was particularly interested in the rules employed by some of our famous libraries. Whilst I understand the need to avoid chewing gum and bottles of ink in London’s British Library, I’m not sure umbrellas present too big a threat to books if they are in bags and dry! I do agree that banning ‘Engaging in sexual conduct or lewd behaviour‘ and ‘Having a knife, gun, or any other weapon‘ is a jolly good idea for New York Public Library!
What I think works so well for A Library Miscellany is the variety of entry. readers are treated to a range of facts and figures, they meet personalities and philanthropists behind libraries, they discover the history and terminology of libraries in a delightful book for all readers. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2018/02/16/...
February 12, 2018
What book lover doesn't love a library? A whole place full of books that you can borrow as much as you like. I love libraries so it was a real pleasure to read Claire Cock-Starkey's book full of facts and information all about libraries.
As with Cock-Starkey's previous book, The Book Lover's Miscellany, this is a lovely little hardback book, the perfect size to pick up, read an entry or two and then put down again for next time. That's not to say you couldn't read it all at once if you wanted to, just that there are bite-sized nuggets of information for those moments when you don't want to get stuck into a novel.
One of the interesting facts is about how borrowing changed over the course of a decade and figures in 2013/14 were considerably down, compared to 2003/4. However, to be applauded is the fact that children's book borrowing was actually up. It's wonderful to think that our children are not only reading, but being introduced to libraries as well.
Apparently, the tiniest library in the world is just 3.5 x 3.5 metres and contains 1,800 books - sounds a bit like my spare bedroom!
I could go on to tell you about who the most borrowed authors are, where you might find a library of smells, the patron saints of librarians, some very overdue library books and the library on the Titanic but I'm not going to do that. You'll have to buy the book!
My local library is now volunteer-run along with several others in the city. It's sad that libraries are not used as much as they used to be, but still heartening to know that these volunteer-run libraries are working and they're able to be kept open for the community. Long may it continue. This little book is an ideal way to celebrate all that is wonderful about libraries.
As with Cock-Starkey's previous book, The Book Lover's Miscellany, this is a lovely little hardback book, the perfect size to pick up, read an entry or two and then put down again for next time. That's not to say you couldn't read it all at once if you wanted to, just that there are bite-sized nuggets of information for those moments when you don't want to get stuck into a novel.
One of the interesting facts is about how borrowing changed over the course of a decade and figures in 2013/14 were considerably down, compared to 2003/4. However, to be applauded is the fact that children's book borrowing was actually up. It's wonderful to think that our children are not only reading, but being introduced to libraries as well.
Apparently, the tiniest library in the world is just 3.5 x 3.5 metres and contains 1,800 books - sounds a bit like my spare bedroom!
I could go on to tell you about who the most borrowed authors are, where you might find a library of smells, the patron saints of librarians, some very overdue library books and the library on the Titanic but I'm not going to do that. You'll have to buy the book!
My local library is now volunteer-run along with several others in the city. It's sad that libraries are not used as much as they used to be, but still heartening to know that these volunteer-run libraries are working and they're able to be kept open for the community. Long may it continue. This little book is an ideal way to celebrate all that is wonderful about libraries.
July 25, 2019
This cute little book is full of interesting and quirky facts about libraries.
January 23, 2019
Hmmmm....an interesting list of library fun facts. That the list of notable librarians does not include a single female librarian (in a profession that is overwhelmingly female) speaks volumes as to issues in the profession and they way information and librarianship is valued.
May 6, 2025
A book full of trivia and facts about libraries and books = a bibliophile's dream come true.
February 20, 2018
This review can be found at sarahsvignettes.wordpress.com
A Library Miscellany is a great little book, both on the inside and the outside. The physical hardback book is very tactile. At just 17cm x 11cm, it is small enough to hold in one hand and to even put in your pocket. It is of good quality and the spine is fabric bound. It is a pleasure to hold - and to read.
I have loved libraries for as long as I can remember: the smell, the books, the silence, and I am lucky that my local town has a good library, which fortunately is popular with the local community. However, until I read A Library Miscellany, I had not realised how many facts and information pieces there were around the subject of libraries. From most popular library book authors, library treasures, and library philanthropists to eye-opening library rules around the world and enemies of the library, to the patron saints of librarians, this little book has it all. It is meticulously researched to contain such a wealth of information and there really is something for everyone in just 130 pages.
I was fascinated to read about the libraries which do not contain books and also where the Catherine Wheel originates from. If you would like to find out more about these, why not buy the book or, better still, see if your local library has a copy.
I really enjoyed A Library Miscellany and would recommend for any book lover.
A Library Miscellany is a great little book, both on the inside and the outside. The physical hardback book is very tactile. At just 17cm x 11cm, it is small enough to hold in one hand and to even put in your pocket. It is of good quality and the spine is fabric bound. It is a pleasure to hold - and to read.
I have loved libraries for as long as I can remember: the smell, the books, the silence, and I am lucky that my local town has a good library, which fortunately is popular with the local community. However, until I read A Library Miscellany, I had not realised how many facts and information pieces there were around the subject of libraries. From most popular library book authors, library treasures, and library philanthropists to eye-opening library rules around the world and enemies of the library, to the patron saints of librarians, this little book has it all. It is meticulously researched to contain such a wealth of information and there really is something for everyone in just 130 pages.
I was fascinated to read about the libraries which do not contain books and also where the Catherine Wheel originates from. If you would like to find out more about these, why not buy the book or, better still, see if your local library has a copy.
I really enjoyed A Library Miscellany and would recommend for any book lover.
April 18, 2022
An enjoyable enough read for a book nerd like me, but, to the discerning eye, it’s readily apparent that a lot less effort went into this book than could have done, which left me with a very annoying feeling of “I could’ve done this much better.” And that’s never how you want to feel after finishing a book!
Firstly, there is a lot of repeated information in this book. No really, a LOT. Sometimes only a couple of pages apart. Maybe the author was assuming that no one would read this in a oner (despite its brevity), but, if so, that was a really silly assumption. People do read miscellany books from cover to cover in one sitting - particularly short ones, and particularly the sort of person who buys a miscellany book.
Secondly, the sections aren’t ordered in any sort of way that makes sense. They don’t progress naturally into one another and aren’t arranged by theme; and there’s some very related sections (e.g. top 5 lists referring to the same source) just randomly scattered throughout.
The book is understandably Anglocentric in its outlook, but also seems like it cannot decide whether it wants to tell the reader about the world or about the UK. So you can find mention of the most borrowed book in the UK and the tallest library in the world, but neither the tallest library in the UK nor the most borrowed book in the world (though I acknowledge the difficulty that would be involved in establishing the latter)
Lastly, and most frustratingly, given just how short of a work this is, it seems entirely baffling that the information is presented so selectively. For instance, the list of national libraries “of note” mystifyingly excludes the German national library, only for it to appear later in a list of legal deposit libraries (alongside a number of other national libraries that *were* listed). Or the sections on the libraries of famous individuals like Charles Darwin and Ernest Shackleton - presenting a tiny (and seemingly random) portion of their books when there would’ve been ample room to include the full list.
So, sadly, although I did learn a lot of interesting things and many sections are engagingly written, my enjoyment of this book was completely overshadowed by its many failings and disappointments. An “A” for the concept, but I’m afraid it’s an “F” for execution from me!
Firstly, there is a lot of repeated information in this book. No really, a LOT. Sometimes only a couple of pages apart. Maybe the author was assuming that no one would read this in a oner (despite its brevity), but, if so, that was a really silly assumption. People do read miscellany books from cover to cover in one sitting - particularly short ones, and particularly the sort of person who buys a miscellany book.
Secondly, the sections aren’t ordered in any sort of way that makes sense. They don’t progress naturally into one another and aren’t arranged by theme; and there’s some very related sections (e.g. top 5 lists referring to the same source) just randomly scattered throughout.
The book is understandably Anglocentric in its outlook, but also seems like it cannot decide whether it wants to tell the reader about the world or about the UK. So you can find mention of the most borrowed book in the UK and the tallest library in the world, but neither the tallest library in the UK nor the most borrowed book in the world (though I acknowledge the difficulty that would be involved in establishing the latter)
Lastly, and most frustratingly, given just how short of a work this is, it seems entirely baffling that the information is presented so selectively. For instance, the list of national libraries “of note” mystifyingly excludes the German national library, only for it to appear later in a list of legal deposit libraries (alongside a number of other national libraries that *were* listed). Or the sections on the libraries of famous individuals like Charles Darwin and Ernest Shackleton - presenting a tiny (and seemingly random) portion of their books when there would’ve been ample room to include the full list.
So, sadly, although I did learn a lot of interesting things and many sections are engagingly written, my enjoyment of this book was completely overshadowed by its many failings and disappointments. An “A” for the concept, but I’m afraid it’s an “F” for execution from me!
December 20, 2021
And a low 3 stars at that.
When I saw this book I had such high hopes. I love libraries, all I ever wanted was a library like The Beast gave Belle where I would live in solitude forever devouring old tomes, drinking tea, wearing gowns and living the aesthetic.
However, this book was a huge (for such a physically small book) let down. It had the opportunity to make all my library fact dreams come true and didn’t.
The overarching problem is this – the facts herein are boring. I expected unusual facts about strange out of the way libraries, famous librarians, interesting books kept in secret places, the histories of the most beautiful, oldest libraries. Instead, the information I was presented with was how many people used a library in a year, survey results about what percentage of books lent in the UK are about Law, how large library cards are and more random facts/figures/numbers that looked like a report print out for a board meeting.
Emphasis on the bored.
This is such a shame as there are some items of interest, but they are bogged down in a quagmire of uninteresting numbers. I admit I learnt a lot of things, but will I retain the info, and did I need to learn most of it? Probably no.
To make it worse the dull facts where often repeated as there was no real sectioning of how each part of this book was presented, it was just all chucked on the page willy-nilly.
So, SO dully written, no life behind what was being put on the page at all, a robot could have produced this.
And the final insult was the writer/editor got the letters in the term ISBN number round the wrong way, blasphemy for a book about libraries.
When I saw this book I had such high hopes. I love libraries, all I ever wanted was a library like The Beast gave Belle where I would live in solitude forever devouring old tomes, drinking tea, wearing gowns and living the aesthetic.
However, this book was a huge (for such a physically small book) let down. It had the opportunity to make all my library fact dreams come true and didn’t.
The overarching problem is this – the facts herein are boring. I expected unusual facts about strange out of the way libraries, famous librarians, interesting books kept in secret places, the histories of the most beautiful, oldest libraries. Instead, the information I was presented with was how many people used a library in a year, survey results about what percentage of books lent in the UK are about Law, how large library cards are and more random facts/figures/numbers that looked like a report print out for a board meeting.
Emphasis on the bored.
This is such a shame as there are some items of interest, but they are bogged down in a quagmire of uninteresting numbers. I admit I learnt a lot of things, but will I retain the info, and did I need to learn most of it? Probably no.
To make it worse the dull facts where often repeated as there was no real sectioning of how each part of this book was presented, it was just all chucked on the page willy-nilly.
So, SO dully written, no life behind what was being put on the page at all, a robot could have produced this.
And the final insult was the writer/editor got the letters in the term ISBN number round the wrong way, blasphemy for a book about libraries.
March 24, 2018
If you're ever looking for a gift for a book lover then this little gem by Claire Cock-Starkey will definitely fit the bill. If you're really splashing out, make sure to pick up the highly recommended The Book Lovers' Miscellany too.
This pocket-sized book is perfect to read on the go, either reading cover to cover or dipping in and out as the mood takes you. It's full of useful statistics, eye-opening facts and interesting titbits that amazed and entertained me. I was amazed to read about the first mobile library in Cumbria in 1857 as horse-drawn carts provided access to books in remote areas without a library.
The timeline at the end of the book is an invaluable source of information as you see the evolution of libraries. I was astounded to see the reference to e-books in the 1970's, when the world wide web was only a twinkle in Tim Berners-Lee's eye. It must have been a librarian's dream to think that books could be accessed by anyone anywhere in the world at anytime. Of course the downside to e-books is the effect it has on the libraries we have come to know and love. As lending of physical books diminishes, I sincerely hope that libraries are not under threat of closure. Long live the library!
A Library Miscellany is an enlightening and entertaining pocket history of every book lover's favourite place; I loved it and I'm sure you will too.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
This pocket-sized book is perfect to read on the go, either reading cover to cover or dipping in and out as the mood takes you. It's full of useful statistics, eye-opening facts and interesting titbits that amazed and entertained me. I was amazed to read about the first mobile library in Cumbria in 1857 as horse-drawn carts provided access to books in remote areas without a library.
The timeline at the end of the book is an invaluable source of information as you see the evolution of libraries. I was astounded to see the reference to e-books in the 1970's, when the world wide web was only a twinkle in Tim Berners-Lee's eye. It must have been a librarian's dream to think that books could be accessed by anyone anywhere in the world at anytime. Of course the downside to e-books is the effect it has on the libraries we have come to know and love. As lending of physical books diminishes, I sincerely hope that libraries are not under threat of closure. Long live the library!
A Library Miscellany is an enlightening and entertaining pocket history of every book lover's favourite place; I loved it and I'm sure you will too.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 8, 2022
A compedium of facts, figures and annecdotes on libraries, librarians and those that love them.
This is a gem of a book, charmingly put together with a perfect balance of surprising details, curios and impressive statistics. Cock-Starkey has expertly compiled her research to cover almost every facet of libraries from the large to the small, covering well known institutions down to now sadly non-existant ones. Every page has an entralling factoid or enlightening list that will entertain the biblophile and layman alike.
This is a gem of a book, charmingly put together with a perfect balance of surprising details, curios and impressive statistics. Cock-Starkey has expertly compiled her research to cover almost every facet of libraries from the large to the small, covering well known institutions down to now sadly non-existant ones. Every page has an entralling factoid or enlightening list that will entertain the biblophile and layman alike.
December 26, 2024
I really enjoyed The Book Lover's Miscellany so this was a natural follow up - and I do like libraries. There was some repetition with the previous volume and some within this one. There is good coverage of when was the first library, major libraries through history, secret libraries etc. Overall, it just felt a bit thin compared to the other volume, even though it was slightly longer. The one thing I did learn, that I feel worth remembering, is that St Lawrence is the patron saint of libraries. Although he did come to a rather nasty end.
June 10, 2023
2.5/5
A fun idea and great gift for people who love libraries but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the execution - lots of repetition, an order/structure that didn’t really work and some lists I honestly skimmed in favour of the more interesting facts.
A fun idea and great gift for people who love libraries but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the execution - lots of repetition, an order/structure that didn’t really work and some lists I honestly skimmed in favour of the more interesting facts.
June 20, 2019
A great book, compact, a fairly quick read, but filled with a lot of interesting facts about the history of libraries, famous libraries, librarians, and other library-related facts.
January 20, 2020
Interesting little books of facts, figures and statistics from ancient to modern libraries.
June 5, 2020
Fun facts, good gift book.
June 24, 2020
Got this as a gift from a friend, it's precious to me.
October 24, 2020
A nice collection of library factoids, learned quite a lot.
April 10, 2021
Really enjoyed reading this book. The random facts and various historical details of libraries were actually really interesting. Definitely gained some good pub quiz knowledge.
November 8, 2021
Fun piece of bibliotechaphilia with plenty of ephemera and factoids.
January 1, 2023
Quick impressions: A small and interesting book. Readers who enjoy trivia books will probably enjoy this one.
(Full review to be posted on my blog.)
(Full review to be posted on my blog.)
October 13, 2023
This small book contains avariety of facts about libraries and books, but mainly from the UK and the USA. A nice read and perfect for reading a few (or more) pages in bed before lights-out.
January 30, 2025
Lots of interesting facts.
February 7, 2025
An interesting look at the history of libraries and library-related things. I particularly enjoyed the index.
January 20, 2025
The author's name alone is worth the entry fee. Stark-Cockly? Car-Stockly?
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February 8, 2019bedside reading
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews