RaveNewtown Review of Books... a thoughtful and readable addition to the oeuvre ... Ovenden notes that the significance of books and knowledge is understood by those who wish to destroy them as well as the collectors, archivists and librarians who work to preserve and protect them. As he examines different historical episodes, Ovenden builds a case for why libraries and archives are essential for a functioning open society, and how libraries can best be supported in this role despite current political and financial restraints ... This is a very cohesive history of books, information and knowledge and the attempts to collect and curate them, made more enjoyable by the author being able to use his library’s collection to illustrate the many ethical conundrums. By examining these key incidents and the strategies of those determined to destroy history and knowledge, Ovenden makes a compelling case for the preservation of, and open access to, information within a very readable social history.
