What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

Are there any books about the historical Library of Alexandria? It doesn't have to be non-fiction. I'm curious about this 'wonder of the ancient world', so if you have any suggestions, they would be most welcome!

I'm sure there are loads of books about it. Here are a few.

the best books about the entire city of Alexandria (in which the library is perhaps mentioned) is of course, Lawrence Durrell's 'cubist' set of 4 romances: The Alexandria Quartet

Camus' 'The Plague' may also refer to it..

There is a sci-fi book called The Ship Who Searched that talks about the last librarian of the Library. It's just a little kind of throw away bit in the book, since the mc is named for that librarian. But, well, you did say any.

Margaret George's Cleopatra has a number of key scenes in the library, and I think I remember that one of the characters was an archivist. Interesting insights into how scrolls were acquired, and why. A good read!

Also, you'll need to read all of the Terry Pratchett Unseen University novels: it's clearly the library at Alexandria, and it's fun.
The Memoirs Of Cleopatra
Terry Pratchett

Small Gods is another one by Terry Pratchett that features a clone of the Library at Alexandria.

Thank you for all the interesting suggestions! :) I'll make sure to check 'em out

I love The Beacon at Alexandria. It's a sweeping historical fiction, but I think the library plays a role.

If you're also interested in YA/alternative history, The Great Library series is pretty good! Book number one is Ink and Bone

The Secret Magdalen by Ki Longfellow

The Secret Magdalene for the hydrophile.

A section of Time Travelers Never Die takes place in the Library.

I haven't read it yet, but Unburning Alexandria is about a time traveller attempting to save the Library of Alexandria.

Ancient Fire includes a major character as the daughter of the last librarian of Alexandria.

Alexandra--you don't have to read any of them--they are pretty much stand alones, just set in the same universe. So don't let the fact that you haven't read any of the others stop you if you want to read it. Word of warning though--keep a box of tissues handy. The first part of the book is somewhat tear jerking. But still well worth reading. (I go back and re-read this periodically and STILL cry every time.)

Alexandria
The Alexandria Link
Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones
Just One Damned Thing After Another
Guardian Cats and the Lost Books of Alexandria

If you are looking for a modern day adventure involving the Library of Alexandria you could consider Treasure by Clive Cussler.

"Charts of lost gold... breathtaking art and rare volumes... maps of hidden oil and mineral deposits that could change the world's balance of power. Now Dirk Pitt discovers the secret trail of the treasures of Alexandria-- a trail that plunges him into a brutal conspiracy for total domination of the globe. Zealots threaten to unseat the governments of Egypt and Mexico, exposing America to invasion and economic collapse."

You might wanna look into The Atlas Six

if you’re still interested in the topic 10 years later, haha.

Altas Six by Olivie Blake isn’t really about the history of it but take place at the library

Where the Library Hides

Choose Your Own Adventure Spies: Spy for Cleopatra, by Katherine Factor. - "It is circa 400 A.D. and you are a young person living in ancient Greece. You are studying with the powerful philosopher and mathematician, Hypatia. Hypatia's formulas and inventions will change the course of history, but she can't let go of an event from the past. She needs you to travel back in time to the age of Cleopatra in order to change history so the Library of Alexandria can be saved from destruction by fire. Can you do what's needed to preserve the world's most important knowledge?"

The Book of the Seven Delights, by Betina Krahn. - "When Abigail Merchant discovers the journal of an eccentric scholar, she is determined to prove her worth as a librarian at the British Musem. She sets off to Casablanca, where her quest becomes entangled with the fate of Apollo Smith, a handsome ex-legionnaire with a murky past and a questionable future."

We Sled With Dragons, by C. Alexander London. - "T.V. obsessed twins Oliver and Celia Navel reluctantly go on their final adventure--this time to the North Pole in search of the long-lost Library of Alexandria."