In the constellation of British booksellers—not only those who sell books but also those who write, from Scotsman Sean Bythell with his famous The Bookshop to Samuel Johnson, a hereditary bookseller who told the story of London's oldest chain, Foyles—a new star is emerging: Martin Latham, manager of the Waterstones store in Canterbury, who has dedicated more than 35 years to his beloved trade. His story is a blend of the history of book culture and the memoirs of a bookseller. A historian by training, he writes about the emotional and psychological experiences of readers, library patrons, and bookstore shoppers, as well as the cornerstones of human interaction with books across eras (from Gutenberg to our digital age) and against the backdrop of various historical events, including the Reformation, the French Revolution, and World War II. Explore Latham's portrait of 'the man who reads,' replete with names and quotes, inviting titles, interesting facts and situations, and important generalizations.
'Bookshelves are a reflection of our unknown selves.' (Martin Latham)