I submitted my review of this book to Teach Secondary magazine, an educational magazine in the UK. The first review below is what the magazine published. The second one is what I actually wrote! In substantive terms there is little difference between the two, but you may find it interesting to see what the editor altered.
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Published version
(lan Patterson, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, £20)
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This detailed account of how Patterson went about assembling and curating an extensive home library describes a scenario that will lie outside of most people's experiences (or even aspirations). It does, however, serve as a wonderful excuse for this book's wide-ranging discussions of books, authors, the process of understanding poetry, the challenges facing translators and the perennial clash between tradition and innovation.
What emerges is a compelling read that's bound to make even the most well-read among us feel somewhat under-educated. The ease with which Patterson weaves together considerations of seemingly disparate works is impressive to behold, though perhaps the book's main appeal is as a starting point for literary exploration.
Were I an English teacher, I'd be delving into it frequently to gain inspiration and pick up all manner of fascinating background information for my students. Highly recommended.
This review was first published in Teach Secondary magazine.
My original version
The setting for this book, that of building a physical library, is bound to lie outside most people’s experience or aspirations. However, it provides a wonderful excuse for the author to discuss books, authors, and such matters as understanding poetry, the challenges facing translators and tradition versus innovation.
What emerges is a veritable cornucopia that is bound to make even the most well-read of us feel a little under-educated! The ease with which the author draws together and discusses disparate works makes this a very appealing book.
Although this could easily be construed as an aide to talking about books you have never read, the more serious appeal is in its use as a starting point for exploration. I think that were I an English teacher I should be delving into it frequently for both inspiration and a means of providing my students with background information.
Highly recommended.
