The Book of Lost Books

Introduction

The Book of Lost Books: An Incomplete History of All the Great Books You’ll Never Read by Stuart Kelly is a fascinating exploration of literature’s lost and forgotten works. In this review, I will examine the key themes and ideas presented in the book, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s approach.

Overview

The Book of Lost Books is a collection of essays that examines the history and significance of books that have lost or destroy over time. From ancient Greek works like the plays of Aeschylus to more recent titles like Sylvia Plath’s second novel, the book covers a wide range of literature from all corners of the world.

Throughout the book, Kelly explores why certain books were lost, how they were lost, and what impact their loss had on the literary canon. He also discusses the efforts of scholars and enthusiasts to reconstruct these lost works and bring them back into the public eye.

Themes

One of the key themes of The Book of Lost Books is the idea of literary loss. Kelly argues that the loss of a book can have a profound impact on our cultural heritage, as it deprives us of the knowledge and insight contained within its pages. He emphasizes that lost books are not just artifacts of the past but are still being lost today, as a result of censorship, neglect, and changing cultural attitudes.

Another important theme is the role of the reader in the creation and preservation of literature. Kelly argues that readers have a responsibility to preserve and pass on the books that are important to them. As they are the custodians of our cultural heritage. He emphasizes that books are not just objects. But are also living, breathing entities that are shape by the readers who engage with them.

Approach

Kelly’s approach to the subject matter is both informative and engaging. He has a clear passion for literature and a deep knowledge of the works he discusses. His writing is accessible and engaging, making the book accessible to both casual readers and literary scholars.

Strengths

One of the strengths of the book is its breadth. Kelly covers a wide range of literature, from ancient epics to modern novels. And from works of philosophy to scientific treatises. This makes the book an excellent introduction to the subject of lost books. As it provides a comprehensive overview of the subject.

Another strength is the author’s willingness to engage with the reader. Kelly is not content to simply present the facts. He actively encourages readers to think about the significance of lost books and their place in our cultural heritage. He poses thought-provoking questions and challenges readers to consider their own relationship to literature and to the books that they have lost.

Weaknesses

One potential weakness of the book is that it may be too broad in scope for some readers. While Kelly covers a wide range of literature. He necessarily has to leave out many works that could be consider “lost.” As a result, some readers may feel that the book is too cursory in its treatment of certain works or that it lacks depth in its analysis.

Another potential weakness is the author’s tendency to editorialize. While Kelly’s passion for literature is evident, there are times when his opinions and biases come through too strongly. This can be distracting for some readers and may detract from the book’s objective tone.

Conclusion

Overall, The Book of Lost Books is an excellent exploration of a fascinating subject. Kelly’s passion for literature and his engaging writing style make the book a pleasure to read. His breadth of knowledge and depth of analysis ensure that the book is informative as well. While there are some weaknesses to the book, such as its broad scope and the author’s tendency to editorialize. These do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the work.