The Enemies of Books

"The Enemies of Books" by William Blades is a narrative exploring the dangers that books have faced throughout history. The author meticulously recounts instances where fire, water, neglect, and human actions have led to the destruction of invaluable texts. Starting with a look at events like the burning of the Alexandria library and fires during the Great Fire of London, the narrative highlights the tragic loss of literary treasures and their impact on cultural knowledge. The tone is a mix of historical reporting and a call for the protection of books, underlining how crucial it is to preserve these cultural artifacts. The book is less about character arcs and plot twists and more about the ongoing battle to protect literary heritage from various forms of destruction.