PUBLISHERS NOTES
Quirky and humorous, part poetry, part reflection, this is the story of the book told by none other than Book himself! This extraordinary character begins by reminding us of his origins in oral story and clay tablets, then ponders on papyrus, parchment and paper, and on being a scroll who finally gets a spine. We see him lovingly illuminated by monks in medieval monasteries, then witness the massive changes brought about by the invention of the printing press, and the coming of paperbacks and e-books in the 20th century. But Book’s not a straightforwardly chronological chap; he can’t help musing – and his musings, whether they’re on the evolution of the alphabet, libraries, book-burning or blurbs, are delightful and thought-provoking. Years of reflection and observation have gone into this charming title – John Agard signed the contract with Walker 16 years ago.
REVIEW: PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 25/09/15
Although ostensibly a reference source, Agard’s history of books is better regarded as a long, freeform meditation, or perhaps even a prose poem. Arranged chronologically and narrated by a personified Book, the history starts with human storytelling—”Before Book, there was Breath”—before surveying the development of alphabets and printing (hieroglyphics, papyrus, and the rise of publishing houses are among the topics discussed), eventually working its way up to e-books. Agard (The Young Inferno) is at his best when writing against the grain, and the work’s strongest moments come when he considers the politics of books: what happens when people are too poor to buy them, or when authorities consider them disturbing enough to burn. “Believe me,” Book says, “I have been destroyed by hands that considered themselves holy. They threw me to the flames as they would later throw women who wisdom was beyond theirs and whom they called witches.” Packer’s witty, elegant illustrations make one wish for larger pages; in one, a Roman centurion reads in the bath, his feather-studded helmet still on his head, his toe stuck up the faucet. Ages 10–up. (Oct.)
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REVIEW: BOOKS FOR KEEPS
A few years ago E.H. Gombrich’s A Little History of the World was republished in English by Yale University Press. Originally published in German in 1936, it is one of the classic children’s information books. It is a triumph of synthesis, simplicity and clarity, conveying its astonishing erudition, imagination and humanity with a storytelling style that is never patronising but assumes in its reader an inexhaustible curiousity. I mention it now because John Agard’s brilliant little book reminds me so much of Gombrich, even if about a much smaller subject, It begins, ‘My name is book and this is the story of my life…’; and for the next 140 odd pages, Agard, in this eloquent disguise, holds us spellbound as he takes us from stories round the campfire and cave paintings to the e-book. Simple, direct and conversational, this is a tale nevertheless told with wit, passion and ingenuity: the art that conceals art. It is supported by some equally brilliant black and white illustrations by Neil Packer, and design and production from Walker that does justice to author, illustrator and subject. It’s more than fifty years since an information book was even considered for awards like the Carnegie and Greenaway. Next year, I will be nominating this one for both.
Clive Barnes
REVIEW: BOOKLIST
Be still youth librarian hearts. Consider this a love letter to the physical object of the book, chronicled through time with humorous lyricism by Agard, a Guyanese British poet and author. From story to writing to alphabet, the evolution of the book as an item, up to and including its transformation into e-books, is told in first person by Book, which shares its memoir with Agard, who duly transcribes it for the reader. The lighthearted narrative is interspersed with relevant quotes, myths, poems, and Packer’s fittingly whimsical black-and-white illustrations. Back matter includes a brief but excellent source list of adult titles. Creative educators may find that this slim volume serves as an instructional model for projects that document the development of one of humankind’s most important handiworks. Teachers, librarians, and young readers with an interest in the format of books over time will especially appreciate Book’s open account of bearing witness to change.–Bush, Gail Copyright 2015 Booklist